Christy Ring Cup
The Christy Ring Cup (Irish: Corn Chriostóir Uí Rinn) is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association. Originally introduced as a second-tier competition, it is currently the third tier overall in the inter-county hurling championship system. Each year, the champions of the Christy Ring Cup are promoted to the Joe McDonagh Cup, and the lowest finishing team is relegated to the Nicky Rackard Cup. The competition is named in honour of Christy Ring, a legendary player from Cork.
| Founded | 2005–present |
|---|---|
| Country | Ireland |
| Number of teams | 6 |
| Level on pyramid | 3 |
| Promotion to | Joe McDonagh Cup |
| Relegation to | Nicky Rackard Cup |
| Current champions | Meath (2023) |
| Most championships | Kildare (4 titles) |
| TV partners | TG4 |
| Website | Official GAA site |
| Current: 2024 Christy Ring Cup | |
The Christy Ring Cup, which was introduced in 2005, replaced the All-Ireland B Hurling Championship (1974-2004). Between 2005 and 2017 the Christy Ring Cup was the second tier hurling championship. With the introduction of the Joe McDonagh cup, the Christy Ring Cup is the highest tier of the championship system without entry to that year's All-Ireland finals series (the top two teams in the Joe McDonagh Cup usually gain entry to preliminary quarter-finals of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship).
At present (2021), Wicklow holds the longest tenure in the Christy Ring Cup. They have appeared in every season of the cup. Down and Kildare had appeared in every season until 2021, when they participated in the Joe McDonagh Cup.
The title has been won by 9 different counties, 5 of whom have won the title more than once. The all-time record-holders are Kildare, who have won the cup on 4 occasions. Meath are the title-holders, defeating Derry by 1-23 to 1-21 in the 2023 final.