It is the highest inter-county hurling competition for male players between the ages of 17 and 20 in the province of Leinster.

The championship has always been played on a straight knock-out basis whereby once a team loses they are eliminated from the series.

The inaugural Leinster Championship featured Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Offaly, Westmeath and Wexford.

Kilkenny also have the distinction of being the only team to win four championships in-a-row, achieving this feat on two separate occasions.

Dublin were the only team beside Kilkenny and Wexford to win the championship, with their lone title being claimed in 1967.

Offaly and Laois added their names to the roll of honour in 1978 and 1983 respectively, however, the rest of the century belonged to Kilkenny and Wexford once again.

[3] At the GAA Congress on 24 February 2018, the age limit of the championship was changed to twenty, following a successful motion by the Offaly County Board.

In contrast to Gaelic football, under-20 hurlers are eligible to play both under-20 and senior hurling for their county.

If a match is drawn there is a period of extra time, however, if the sides still remain level a replay is required.

Stadium attendances are a significant source of regular income for the Leinster Council and for the teams involved.

The attendance at the 2024 final between Offaly and Dublin at Laois Hire O'Moore Park, Port Laoise was 15,215.