National Hurling League
Annual inter-county hurling competition / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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.
Allianz National Hurling League | |
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Current season or competition: 2025 National Hurling League | |
Irish | Sraith Iomána Náisiúnta |
Code | Hurling |
Founded | 1925–1926; 98 years ago (1926) |
Region | Ireland (GAA) |
No. of teams | 35 |
Title holders | Clare (5th title) |
Most titles | Kilkenny Tipperary (19 titles) |
Sponsors | Allianz |
TV partner(s) | RTÉ2, TG4 and Eir Sport Premier Sports (UK, including NI) |
Official website | Official website |
The league has 35 teams divided into six divisions, with either five or six 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 January to March with each team in the group playing each other once. Division 1 of the league features the top twelve hurling teams split into two divisions of six. A knock-out stage follows for the four top-placed teams in each division. The winners of the Division 1 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.