The report of the Gaelic Athletic Association's Strategic Review Committee (SRC) contains many far-reaching proposals but the one that has captured the public imagination is the division of Dublin into two administrative areas.
In theory, the idea is perfectly logical given the huge population in the county. Divided in half, the two new units would still be comfortably the most populous in the GAA. By directing energy and resources through two county boards, it is hoped that the development of the games will benefit and as a result, two competitive inter-county teams will be the outcome.
But there is quite a bridge to be built between theory and practice. For a start, the promised resources to implement the change will have to be substantial. This is based on the aspirations of the SRC, among which are the recruitment of development officers, the availability in every county of a venue holding between 15,000 and 25,000 spectators and the establishment of five new clubs, north and south, every five years.
It will be argued that the provision of a county-grade stadium for south Dublin need not be prioritised, given that venues on the northside can accommodate matches for both Dublin teams. Whatever about Croke Park - now the venue for big matches featuring all Leinster counties - expecting south-city supporters to travel to Parnell Park will do little to foster the sense of local identity advisable for the implementation of the plan.
Of even more significance, is the likely impact of proposals for clubs in urban areas, which will no longer be allowed a catchment area larger than 25,000. Even though they are of national application, these measures will impact most strongly in Dublin, more precisely in south Dublin.
Until the mid-1970s, Gaelic games were virtually anonymous on the south of the city. Given such a starting point, the development of the GAA since has been impressive. Yet it is driven by very big clubs whose catchment area exceeds the recommended level.
Will it make sense to arrest the work being done in Kilmacud or Ballyboden in order to divert players from big clubhouses with good facilities into fledgling clubs struggling to acquire premises in the midst of some of the country's most expensive real estate? Furthermore all of these plans will have to be implemented without the marketing advantage of an established county team.
The SRC's proposals are a welcome recognition of the problems Gaelic games face in Dublin but they will cause a certain level of anxiety among the county's GAA community.