On 11 May 1986, Kilkenny won the title following a 3-11 to 2-5 win over Galway in the final.
Quarter-finals Semi-finals Final Down, Meath, Tipperary and Wexford entered Division 2 as the promoted and relegated teams from the previous season.
On 9 March 1986, Wexford secured the title following a 3-15 to 1-5 win over Kerry in the final round of the group stage.
Kildare, Louth and Waterford entered Division 3 as the promoted and relegated teams from the previous season.
On 9 March 1986, Mayo secured the title following a 0-12 to 0-8 win over Armagh in the final round of the group stage.