1986–87 National Hurling League
The 1986–87 National Hurling League (known as the Ford National Hurling League for sponsorship reasons) was the 56th season of the National Hurling League. Division 1. Kilkenny came into the season as defending champions of the 1985-86 season. Westmeath and Wexford entered Division 1 as the promoted teams. On 3 May 1987, Galway won the title following a 3-12 to 3-10 win over Clare in the final. It was their first league title since 1974-75 and their 3rd National League title overall. Offaly and Westmeath were relegated from Division 1. Clare's  Cyril Lyons was the Division 1 top scorer with 4-51. Knock-out stage. Quarter-finals Semi-finals Final Division 2. Dublin, Laois, Mayo and Waterford entered Division 2 as the promoted and relegated teams from the previous season. On 1 March 1987, Tipperary secured the title following a 5-18 to 0-2 win over Mayo in the final round of the group stage. Waterford secured promotion to Division 1 as the second-placed team. Mayo and Meath were relegated from Division 2. Division 3. Down, Monaghan and Roscommon entered Division 3 as the promoted and relegated teams from  the previous season. On 1 March 1987, Down secured the title following a 3-18 to 0-6 win over Kildare in the final round of the group stage. Roscommon secured promotion to Division 1 as the second-placed team. Monaghan were relegated from Division 2.