Since the introduction of the so-called "back-door" system, a number of changes have taken place in the championship format. In 2004 the following system was used: The provincial championships in Munster, Leinster, Ulster and Connacht ran as usual on a "knock-out" basis. These provincial games were then followed by the "Qualifier" system:
Round 1 of the qualifiers included all the counties that do not qualify for the Provincial Semi-Finals. An open draw was made to give eight pairings.
Round 2 consisted of the eight defeated teams in the Provincial Semi-Finals playing against the eight winners from Round 1. A draw was made to determine the eight pairings.
Round 3 consisted of the eight winners from Round 2. Another open draw was made to determine the four pairings.
Round 4 consisted of each of the four teams defeated in the Provincial Finals playing against the four winners from Round 3. A draw was made to determine the four pairings.
The All-Ireland Quarter-Finals: Each of the four Provincial Champions played one of the four winners from Round 4. The All-Ireland Semi-Finals were on a Provincial rota basis, initially determined by the Central Council. If a Provincial Championship winning was defeated in its Quarter-Final, the team that defeated it would take its place in the Semi-Final.
The losers of the Preliminary round matches and quarter final matches of each provincial championship started the qualifier. Tipperary withdrew from the competition following the resignation of their manager, Andy Shorthall, giving Fermanagh a walkover into Round 2.
Round 2
The winners of round 1 were joined by the semi final losers of each provincial championship. The matches would be between a round 2winner and a provincial championship semi final loser.
Round 3
The winners of round 2 contest as the matches from here were lowered to four. Matches were open.
Round 4
The winners of round 3 were joined by the losers of each provincial championship final. The matches would be between a round 3 winner and the loser of a provincial championship final.
The provincial champions and the winners of round 4 contested the quarter finals. The quarter final matches would be between a provincial champion and a round 4 winner. Quarter-finals Semi-finals Final
