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.
Clare, who were league runners-up, also suffered just one defeat in the group stages, however, they fell to Kilkenny in the final.
Down at the other end of the table, Dublin and Down went through the group stages without a single victory.
Offaly won the Division 2 title after recording just one defeat throughout the group stages, thus returning to the top flight having been relegated the previous year.
Offaly won Division 2 and secured promotion to the top tier.