Roscommon entered the championship as defending champions, however, they were defeated in the Connacht Championship.
On 29 September 1952, Galway won the championship following a 2-9 to 1-6 defeat of Cavan in the All-Ireland final. This was their first All-Ireland title.[1]
In three of the provincial championships there are wins for teams after long absences. Cork and Westmeath win the respective Munster and Leinster titles for the first time since 1939, while Cavan claim the Ulster title for the first time since 1938.