Offaly 2-16 : Kilkenny 1-13
 
After nearly two decades of intense rivalry in Leinster Offaly and Kilkenny meet in an All-Ireland final for the first time. When the sides met in a dull provincial final Kilkenny came out on top. Since then Offaly have changed manager and beaten defending champions Clare over an epic three-match semi-final that included the infamous lost three minutes in the second game. Kilkenny have edged out Waterford to leave the first ever all-Leinster All-Ireland finely balanced.