On 4 September 1983, Kilkenny won the championship following a 2–14 to 2–12 defeat of Cork in the All-Ireland final.

Kilkenny's Frank Cummins was the choice for Texaco Hurler of the Year.

The provincial championships in Munster and Leinster were all played on a knock-out basis as usual.

Galway, having no competition in the Connacht Championship, played the winners of a preliminary game between Kerry and Antrim.

The winners of this quarter-final went on to play the Munster champions in a single All-Ireland semi-final.