<P> The championship began on 1 May 2016 and ended on 4 September 2016 . </P> <P> Kilkenny were the defending champions . Kerry qualified for the competition for the first time since 2004 </P> <P> Tipperary won the title for the 27th time and for the first time since 2010, defeating Kilkenny in the final, 2--29 to 2--20 . </P> <P> The All - Ireland Senior Hurling Championship is a double - elimination tournament based on the Leinster and Munster provincial championships . Fourteen teams take part . </P>

Who won the 2016 all ireland hurling final