The body coordinates competitions in both Ireland and Britain, and is a part of the parent organisation, the Gaelic Athletic Association.
For the first 30 years, the cup was dominated by UCC and UCD, with UCG winning occasionally.
Since the event went open, in the 1990s, several newer third level institutions from Limerick and Waterford entered and quickly dominated the competition.
The competition has since broadened its membership with teams representing a wider variety of Universities and College.
The ancient universities of Cambridge and Oxford also compete in an annual Varsity Match.