[1] On 28 September 2003, Tyrone won the championship following a 0-12 to 0-9 defeat of Armagh in the All-Ireland final.

Armagh forward Steven McDonnell was the choice for the Vodafone Footballer of the Year award.

The provincial championships in Munster, Leinster, Ulster and Connacht were run as usual on a "knock-out" basis.

The All-Ireland Semi-finals were played on a Provincial rota basis, initially determined by the Central Council.

The quarter final matches would be between a provincial champion and a round 4 winner.