The 'four-in-a-row' had already been captured by the footballers of Wexford (1915–18) and Kerry (1929–32), however, no hurling team had ever bested three-in-a-row.
That feat had been achieved several times before with Cork, Tipperary and Kilkenny all claiming famous trebles.
None of those teams, however, reached a fourth successive All-Ireland final as they were all beaten in the provincial series of games.
One team is eliminated at this stage, while the winners advance to the All-Ireland semi-final.
One team is eliminated at this stage, while the winners advance to the All-Ireland semi-final.