There is a rather ominous silence surrounding the proposals to make radical changes to the GAA intercounty fixture list which would involve the potential marriage of the National League and the All-Ireland championship. Early soundings suggest that there may be some high-level opposition to the proposed programme.

It is interesting, however, to note that Joe McDonagh, the GAA president, has thrown his weight behind the proposals by the high-powered committee under the chairmanship of Noel Walsh. The Clareman has been a deep thinker about GAA football for a considerable time and has made several tangible contributions, one of which - the open draw in Munster - was designed to revive interest in football in counties such as Clare, Waterford, Limerick and Tipperary.

Kerry and Cork can no longer be sure of avoiding each other until the Munster final and this seems to have been largely successful in inspiring the weaker counties, or Clare and Tipperary at least. Indeed Clare won a Munster title in 1992.

What is most interesting about recent events within the body politic of the GAA is that there have been three separate developments which could change the association in a quite radical way.

In addition to the proposal on a new championship there has been the formation of the Gaelic Players Association and the conferral of official status on the body which represents referees.

For many years the various provincial councils and the Central Council inhabited separate fiefdoms and tended to regard themselves as beyond criticism or reproach.

For example, in my own playing days my own club objected after a particular match result and succeeded in the protest at county level; that decision was overturned by the Connacht Council without a delegate of the club being present - in total opposition to the rules of the GAA at the time.

People are a little more aware of their rights these days but I still haven't received my junior county medal because of a failure of the GAA hierarchy to enforce its own rules. 'Nuff said.

To return to the present: there is a widespread debate going on at "grass roots" level about what attitude should be taken by the various county delegates to the new proposals on football at the decision-making annual Congress.

In the midst of some intemperate statements there have been genuine concerns expressed about the effect which the proposals would have on the clubs. It has to be accepted that clubs are crucial to the health and strength of the GAA. It must also be accepted that the intercounty scene, and championship fare in particular, is what activates most GAA followers. This writer was quite astonished by the number of Meath people who travelled to Sligo on Saturday for Meath's National League match. The town of Sligo was awash with Meath jerseys on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. Many Sligo traders (for that read public houses and restaurants) were delighted.

It also gave the lie to the idea that nobody is interested in the National League.

If the GAA "grass roots" refuse to accept and put into action what has now been proposed the GAA could stagnate.

It has to be accepted that the National League must be given greater importance; and that the days of a team being eliminated at the first attempt from the premier competition and then having to wait the best part of a year before having another really competitive match must be consigned to history.

Changes must be made; but after careful consideration. "Nit picking" must be resisted. Those of us who know, understand and love the GAA must be prepared to experiment with new concepts.

The GAA stands on the threshold of continued prosperity. Faint hearts will not serve the association well.