Nicky Rackard Cup
The Nicky Rackard Cup (Irish: Corn Niocláis Mhic Riocaird; often referred to as the Rackard Cup) is the fourth tier of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship. Each year, the champion team in the Nicky Rackard Cup is promoted to the Christy Ring Cup, and the lowest finishing team is relegated to the Lory Meagher Cup.
| Founded | 2005–present |
|---|---|
| Country | Ireland |
| Number of teams | 6 |
| Level on pyramid | 4 |
| Promotion to | Christy Ring Cup (Tier 3) |
| Relegation to | Lory Meagher Cup (Tier 5) |
| Current champions | Wicklow (2023) |
| Most championships | Donegal (3 titles) |
| TV partners | TG4 |
| Website | Official GAA site |
| Current: 2023 Nicky Rackard Cup | |
The Nicky Rackard Cup, which was introduced for the 2005 season, is a recent initiative in providing a meaningful championship for third tier teams deemed "too weak" for any higher grades.
The winners of the championship receive the Nicky Rackard Cup, named after former Wexford hurler Nicky Rackard regarded as one of the greatest hurlers of all time.
The title has been won by 10 different counties, 8 of whom have won the title more than once. The all-time record-holders are Donegal, who have won the cup on 3 occasions. Wicklow are the title holders, defeating Donegal by 1-20 to 3-12 in the 2023 final.