The 2009 Nicky Rackard Cup is the 5th annual third-tier hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association. Seven county teams and one regional team participate in the competition. The teams are Fingal, Monaghan, Louth, Sligo, Meath, London, Armagh and Roscommon. The winners of the competition were promoted to the 2010 Christy Ring Cup. On 11 July, Meath won the cup with a 2-18 to 1-15 win over London at Croke Park.

Team changes

To Championship

Relegated from the Christy Ring Cup

From Championship

Relegated to the Lory Meagher Cup

Format

New structure

The tournament has a double elimination format - each team will play at least two games before being knocked out.

Round 1

Round 2

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Final

Relegation play-off

Monaghan were relegated to the Lory Meagher Cup 2010.

Stadia and locations