A total of eighteen teams entered the under-21 championship, the same number as the previous year, however, there was a difference in the composition. In Munster,
Kerry declined to field a team in spite of a spirited display against
Galway the previous year. In Leinster,
Carlow and
Louth made way for
Meath and
Wicklow. An Ulster championship was organised for the first time, with
Down joining provincial kingpins
Antrim.
Team summaries ==
Leinster Under-21 Hurling Championship==