Leinster Under-21 Hurling Championship Once a team is defeated they are eliminated from the championship. The Leinster Championship has wider implications for the All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship. The winners of the Munster final automatically qualify for the semi-final stages of the All-Ireland series of games. Unlike the final runners-up in the minor and senior championships, there is no 'back-door system' at under-21 level. Eight of the twelve counties of Leinster – Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Wexford – participate in the championship. At the end of the Leinster final, the winning team is presented with a trophy. The cup, named the
Brendan Murphy (Carlow footballer) of the season. Carlow travelled to Tullamore on St Patrick's weekend, knowing that their game with Offaly would go a long way to deciding their promotion fate, and that of their hosts. Darragh O'Brien's goal put Carlow in control midway through the second half at 1-9 to 0-9, but Murphy left the field of play (injured) with 15 minutes remaining and his absence was a turning point as Offaly fought their way back and came out on top by 0-14 to 1-10 with a score in injury time. Their promotion hopes were put to bed the following week, following a