Galway were the defending champions but were defeated by Offaly in the final.

[1] Westmeath re-entered the Leinster Championship after a three-year absence.

On 6 September 1981, Offaly won the championship following a 2–12 to 0–15 defeat of Galway in the All-Ireland final.

Limerick's Joe McKenna was the championship's top scorer with 7–12.

Offaly's Pat Delaney was the choice for Texaco Hurler of the Year.