National Hurling League

Allianz National Hurling League
Current season or competition:
2025 National Hurling League
IrishSraith Iomána Náisiúnta
CodeHurling
Founded1925–1926; 98 years ago (1926)
RegionRepublic of Ireland Ireland (GAA)
No. of teams35
Title holders Clare (5th title)
Most titles Kilkenny
Tipperary (19 titles)
SponsorsAllianz
TV partner(s)RTÉ2, TG4 and Eir Sport
Premier Sports (UK, including NI)
Official websiteOfficial website

The National Hurling League is an annual inter-county hurling competition featuring teams from Ireland and England. Founded in 1925 by the Gaelic Athletic Association, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation within the league system.

The league has 35 teams divided into five divisions, with seven teams in each division. Promotion and relegation between these divisions is a central feature of the league. Although primarily a competition for Irish teams, teams from England – currently Lancashire, London and Warwickshire – also take part, while in the past New York also fielded a team for the latter stages of the league.[1] Teams representing subdivisions of counties, such as Fingal and South Down have also participated at various times.[2]

The National Hurling League has been associated with a title sponsor since 1985. Ford, Royal Liver and Church & General have all served as sponsors of the league since then. The competition is currently sponsored by Allianz and is officially known as the Allianz Hurling League.[3]

The league season runs from late January to March with each team in the group playing each other once. The top two teams in Division 1A will advance to the National Hurling League Final. The winners of the League title are awarded the Dr Croke Cup and are officially regarded as the National Hurling League champions.

The National Hurling League title has been won by 10 different teams, 9 of whom have won the title more than once. The all-time record-holders are Tipperary and Kilkenny, who have won the league on 19 occasions. Clare won the 2024 title.

  1. ^ O'Flynn, Diarmuid (2 May 2014). "Shameful day in New York's GAA history". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  2. ^ Kerr, Rory (17 September 2016). "County Committee calls time on Fingal hurling project". Irish Independent. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  3. ^ "Allianz Ireland extend sponsorship of National Football and Hurling Leagues until 2020". Irish Independent. 13 January 2016. Retrieved 14 February 2018.