The GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) formed in 1884. In the first 3 years of the association the clubs only played friendly matches.
In 1887, the existing country boards decided to organise a knock-out championships for the club teams within their own county. This championship was then extended to a national series of games, beginning the All-Ireland Championships which still runs today.
Only 5 teams chose to join the All-Ireland Championships in 1887; Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Wexford.
The 1887 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final was played between Tipperary and Galway at Birr Sportsfield, Co. Offaly on April 1st 1888 – almost 6 months after the Semi-Finals. Tipperary won the title following a 1-1 to 0-0 defeat of Galway in the final, making Tipperary the first All Ireland Hurling Champions!
An Poitin Stil houses the medal given to Tipperary in 1887.
