On 20 September 1981, Kerry won the championship following a 1-12 to 0-8 defeat of Offaly in the All-Ireland final.

[1] This was their 27th All-Ireland title and their fourth championship in succession.

Offaly's Matt Connor was the championship's top scorer with 1-31.

Kerry's Jack O'Shea was the choice for Texaco Footballer of the Year.

The normal system of 2 Quarter-final's and 2 Semi-final's is back.