Introduced in 1971, it was initially a straight knockout tournament open to all 12 county senior champions from the 1970 championship season.

The competition is currently limited to the eight champion club teams from the strongest hurling counties in Leinster.

The eight participating teams compete in a single-elimination tournament which culminates with the final match on the first Sunday in December.

Kilkenny clubs have accumulated the highest number of victories with 23 wins.

Ballyhale Shamrocks is the most successful team in the tournament's history, having won it 12 times.

Their influence varies from club-to-club and is related to the individual club committees.