Pre-championship
Prior to the opening of the championship Kilkenny were installed as the favourites to retain the All-Ireland title for a third consecutive year. The last time they achieved this was in 1913, however, no final took place that year and Kilkenny were awarded the title as Limerick refused to play. Since then they failed to capture the 'three-in-a-row', in spite of having the opportunity in 1933 and again in 1976. Cork, the defeated All-Ireland finalists in 1982 and 1983, were regarded as the biggest threat to Kilkenny's ambitions. 1984 also provided Cork with the dubious honour of becoming the first team to lose three All-Ireland finals in-a-row. National League champions Limerick and newcomers Offaly were also regarded as teams that would make life difficult for the reigning champions.
Read more about this topic: All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1984