The first championships in hurling and football took place in 1887 and were a low-key affair. Each competing county was represented by its winning club team. The championships were not completed until April 1888.On 1st April 1888, Birr (County Offaly) was the venue for the clash of Tipperary (Thurles) and Galway (Meelick) in the first All-Ireland Hurling Final.  

The first football final took place on 29th April at Clonskeagh (Dublin) between Limerick (Commercials) and Louth (Young Irelands). The 1888 winners – Tipperary and Limerick – had a 25 year wait to receive their medals.  They were not presented until 1913!