The 1955–56 National Hurling League was the 25th season of the National Hurling League.
New structure As a result of a lack of interest from defeated first-round hurling teams in recent years, the GAA's Central Council introduced a new system of relegation and promotion for the 1955-56 league. Division 1 was confined to ten teams comprising two groups of five. The bottom-placed team in each group would play off to decide which of the two teams would be relegated. Division 2 was made up of eight teams comprising two groups of four. The first-placed teams in each group contested the final with the winners being promoted.
Division 1
Tipperary came into the season as defending champions of the 1954-55 season.
On 6 May 1956, Wexford won the title after a 5–9 to 2–14 win over Tipperary in the final. It was their first ever league title.
Limerick were relegated.
Group 1A table PosTeamPldWDLPtsNotes1 Wexford 43107 Division 1 champions2 Cork 430163 Dublin 420244 Waterford 410325 Kilkenny 40131
Group 1B table PosTeamPldWDLPtsNotes1 Tipperary 44008 Division 1 runners-up2 Galway 430163 Clare 420244 Westmeath 410325 Limerick 40040 Relegated to Division 2
Knock-out stage Final
Division 2
In a new departure the Gaelic Athletic Association introduced a second division for the 'second tier' hurling teams. Division 2 featured eight teams divided into two groups - 2A and 2B. The first group featured Down, Meath, Antrim and Wicklow. The second group featured Offaly, Roscommon, Kerry and Laois. Antrim finished top of group 2A and were crowned champions after defeating group 2B winners Kerry in the final. Antrim thus won promotion to division one for the following year.
Group 2A table PosTeamPldWDLPtsNotes1 Antrim 33006 Division 1 champions2 Meath 320143 Wicklow 310224 Down 30030
Group 2B table PosTeamPldWDLPtsNotes1 Kerry 33006 Division 1 runners-up2 Laois 320143 Offaly 310224 Roscommon 30030
Knock-out stage Finals
References