Kerry entered the championship as the defending champions, however, they were defeated by Cork in the Munster final.

[1] On 26 September 1971, Offaly won the championship following a 1-14 to 2-8 defeat of Galway in the All-Ireland final.

Offaly's Tony McTague was the championship's top scorer with 1-35.

Offaly's Eugene Mulligan was the choice for Texaco Footballer of the Year.

The Second Round returns to Leinster football championship this year.