1985–86 National Hurling League
The 1985–86 National Hurling League (known as the Ford National Hurling League for sponsorship reasons) was the 55th season of the National Hurling League. Division 1. Limerick came into the season as defending champions of the 1984-85 season. Clare and Dublin entered Division 1 as the promoted teams. On 11 May 1986, Kilkenny won the title following a 3-11 to 2-5 win over Galway in the final. It was their first league title since 1982-83 and their 7th National League title overall. Dublin and Laois were relegated from Division 1. Kilkenny's  Ger Fennelly was the Division 1 top scorer with 1-47. Knock-out stage. Quarter-finals Semi-finals Final Division 2. Down, Meath, Tipperary and Wexford entered Division 2 as the promoted and relegated teams from the previous season. On 9 March 1986, Wexford secured the title following a 3-15 to 1-5 win over Kerry in the final round of the group stage. Westmeath secured promotion to Division 1 as the second-placed team. Down and Roscommon were relegated from Division 2. Division 3. Kildare, Louth and Waterford entered Division 3 as the promoted and relegated teams from  the previous season. On 9 March 1986, Mayo secured the title following a 0-12 to 0-8 win over Armagh in the final round of the group stage. Waterford secured promotion to Division 2 as the second-placed team. Louth were relegated from Division 3.