On 10 June 2017, Carlow won the Christy Ring Cup following a 5-23 to 4-15 defeat of Antrim.

Relegated from the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Promoted from the Nicky Rackard Cup Promoted to the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Relegated to the Nicky Rackard Cup All eight teams play in Round 1.

The winners of this year's Christy Ring Cup (tier 2) enter this year's All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship in the preliminary round of the All-Ireland qualifiers (passed at GAA congress in February 2017).

They are also promoted to play in the qualifier group of next year's Leinster Senior Hurling Championship.

Due to the major reorganisation of hurling in September 2018, Roscommon remained in the Christy Ring Cup.