In January 2018 it was announced that the Ulster championship was to be cancelled for three years.
[1] The tournament was to be played in April, instead of the usual June/July dates.
In the first tier, the Ulster Senior Hurling Championship, Antrim, Armagh, Derry and Down compete in a knock-out format.
The winners receive the Liam Harvey Cup.
In the second tier, the Ulster Senior Hurling Shield, Donegal, Fermanagh, Monaghan and Tyrone compete in a knock-out format, with the winner gaining promotion to the first tier for 2019.