2004 National Hurling League

Each team plays all the others in its group once, earning 2 points for a win and 1 for a draw.

The top two teams go into the NHL final – only points earned in these last three games count.

The top two teams go into the Division 2 final – only points earned in these last three games count.

The top two teams go into the Division 3 final – only points earned in these last three games count.

Waterford, who were league runners-up, suffered three defeats in the group stages before falling to Galway in the final.

Down at the other end of the table, Dublin and Antrim went through the initial group stages without a single victory.

Final Derry and Mayo entered Division 2 as the respective relegated and promoted teams from the 2003 season.