Clare came into the season as defending champions of the 1977-78 season. Carlow entered Division 1 as the promoted team.
On 6 May 1979, Tipperary won the title after a 3-15 to 0-8 win over Galway in the final. It was their 14th league title overall and their first since 1967-68.[1]
Carlow were relegated from Division 1 after just one season in the top flight.