The 1996 All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship was the 66th staging of the All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship since its establishment by the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1928. The championship began on 1 May 1996 and ended on 29 September 1996. Cork entered the championship as the defending champions, however, they were beaten by Tipperary in the Munster semi-final. On 29 September 1996 Tipperary won the championship following a 2-14 to 2-12 defeat of Galway in a replay of the All-Ireland final. This was their 16th All-Ireland title and their first title since 1982.