The All-Ireland final between Limerick and Kilkenny was the fifth championship meeting between the two teams. Kilkenny, the reigning champions, were appearing in their eighth final in ten years and were hoping to win their 13th title. Limerick were lining out in their fifth final in eight years and were hoping to claim a 6th championship title.
Limerick's All-Ireland victory was their first since 1936. The win put them in joint fourth position, alongside Dublin on the all-time roll of honour.
Kilkenny's All-Ireland defeat was their tenth in a final. It was the first of three defeats in All-Ireland final before their next victory.
Kilkenny led by four points at one stage in the game. It was the biggest lead by a losing side since 1922 (Tipperary, 4pts).
Kilkenny opened the scoring with a goal. Only the third final ever at that stage where the losing team opened with a goal (1906 & 1915). Cork would also do it in 1969.