The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association has organised it since 1903.

[1] Since the turn of the Millennium, the competition and Down football has largely been dominated by the "Big Three", with 21 of the 23 titles being shared by Kilcoo (11 titles), Mayobridge (7) and Burren (St Mary's) (3).

Clonduff in 2000 and Bryansford in 2003 are the only other 2 teams to win a senior championship this century.

The trophy presented to the winners is the Frank O'Hare Cup.

The winners can, in turn, go on to play in the All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship.