Dublin entered the championship as the defending champions.

On 24 September 1978, Kerry won the championship following a 5-11 to 0-9 defeat of Dublin in the All-Ireland final.

Kerry's Pat Spillane was the choice for Texaco Footballer of the Year.

Dublin's Jimmy Keaveney was the championship's top scorer with 2-31.

In 1978 Round 2 returns to the Leinster football championship.