Offaly were the defending champions but were defeated by Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final.

On 12 September 1999, Cork won the championship following a 0–13 to 0–12 defeat of Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final.

Cork's Joe Deane and Kilkenny's Henry Shefflin were the championship's top scorers with 1-24 apiece.

Cork's Donal Óg Cusack and Offaly's Stephen Byrne were deemed the best goalkeepers after keeping three clean sheets each.

Promoted from the All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling Championship Regraded to the All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling Championship The following matches were broadcast live on television in Ireland on RTÉ.