The championship began on 27 May 1888 ; however , no All - Ireland final took place .
The championship remains unfinished due to the North American invasion tour of Irish athletes , an unsuccessful attempt to raise funds for a revival of the Tailteann Games .
The championship began on 27 May 1888 ; however , no All - Ireland final took place and the championship remains unfinished due to the North American invasion tour of Irish athletes , an unsuccessful attempt to raise funds for a revival of the Tailteann Games .