The 2013 National Hurling League commenced in February 2013. 34 GAA county hurling teams: 32 from Ireland (including Fingal but not Cavan), London and Warwickshire, contested it.
On the final day of fixtures in division 1A on 31 March, all six teams had a chance of either reaching the league semi-finals, or suffering relegation.
Kilkenny won the NHL, defeating Tipperary in the final by 2âÂÂ17 to 0âÂÂ20 in the final on 5 May in Nowlan Park. Michael Fennelly scored two goals and three points in the first half as Kilkenny led by 2âÂÂ07 to 0âÂÂ11. In the second half Lar Corbett and JJ Delaney were sent off in the 46th minute after they wrestled each other on the ground near the Kilkenny goal.
On 13 May Kilkenny's Lester Ryan was named as the GAA-GPA Hurler of the League for 2013. Ryan scored 1âÂÂ10 in six games from midfield including 0âÂÂ3 in the semi-final win over Galway and 0âÂÂ3 in the final victory against Tipperary.
The current format of the National Hurling League has been criticised by many including current managers, claiming that it's not benefitting the game in several counties.
Setanta Sports and TG4 will provide live coverage of matches in Ireland with RTÃÂ providing highlights on Sunday nights. Setanta Sports broadcast live matches in Australia. Setanta Sports also provided coverage of matches from the National Hurling League to viewers in Asia.