On 8 November 1981, Cork won the championship following a 2-9 to 1-6 defeat of Galway in a replay of the All-Ireland final.[1] This was their fourth All-Ireland title overall and their second in successive seasons.
Monaghan win the Ulster title for the first time in their history.
The All-Ireland semi-finals see two first time championship pairings as Cork play Monaghan for the very first time and Louth play Galway for the very first and only time in the history of the championship.