Meath were the defending champions, however, they were defeated by Dublin in the Leinster final.

On 17 September 1989, Cork won the championship following a 0-17 to 1-11 defeat of Mayo in the All-Ireland final.

[1][2][3] This was their 5th All-Ireland title, their first in sixteen championship seasons.

Mayo's Michael Fitzmaurice was the championship's top scorer with 0-32.

Cork's Teddy McCarthy was the choice for Texaco Footballer of the Year.