In its inaugural year , it was contested by the stronger hurling counties .
In its inaugural year , it was was won by Wexford who beat Kilkenny in the final by 2 - 13 to 1 - 15 on 21 August 1977 in Enniscorthy , Co .
In its inaugural year , it was contested by the stronger hurling counties and was won by Wexford who beat Kilkenny in the final by 2 - 13 to 1 - 15 on 21 August 1977 in Enniscorthy , Co .