The championship began on 27 May 1888; however, no All-Ireland final took place and the championship remains unfinished due to the North American invasion tour of Irish athletes, an unsuccessful attempt to raise funds for a revival of the Tailteann Games.
Cork, Kildare, Laois, Limerick and Waterford all fielded teams in their respective provincial championships.
Two separate championships were played in Leinster and Munster with the winners meeting in the All-Ireland final.
One team is eliminated at this stage while the winners are declared Leinster champions and qualify for the All-Ireland final.
One team is eliminated at this stage while the winners are declared Munster champions and qualify for the All-Ireland final.