1998 O'Byrne Cup

The 1998 O'Byrne Cup was a Gaelic football competition played by the county teams of Leinster GAA.

The tournament was a straight knockout, with 12 teams. New rules were tested:
 * players were cautioned for any pushing, pulling or holding of an opponent
 * two referees (in some games)
 * five substitutes
 * picking the ball off the ground permitted, so long as the player's feet are on the ground
 * "mark" or free kick for an overhead catch from a kick-out
 * solo run limited to one hop or one "solo"

Offaly were the winners, scoring two late goals to defeat Louth in the final at Drogheda Park.