At a time when then the issue of just how big the Premier Division should be is one of the most divisive in the domestic game, last night's presentation by Longford Town of their plans for the development of Strokestown Road was a timely reminder of the progress which smaller clubs are attempting to make.
Longford's announcement that they hope to start work on a new 1,500-seat stand within a matter of weeks is further evidence of the remarkable turnaround that has taken place in the club's fortunes since it was rescued from the brink of extinction just two-and-a-half years ago.
It is, club officials insist, only the beginning of a five-year plan aimed at utterly transforming a ground that has always been something of an embarrassment to Merrion Square.
It scarcely mattered much, of course, when Longford rattled around harmlessly in the First Division. But since Stephen Kenny took over at the start of last season, there has been a transformation on the pitch. Currently leading the promotion race, they are looking good for a place in the top flight next year.
Last night's announcement appears to justify the decision by the league's clubs 18 months ago to lay down minimum standards for those clubs hoping to compete in the top division. The first stage of development at Longford's ground will allow them to meet the minimum requirement of 1,500 covered seats - the figure is obviously not a coincidence.
And support is growing too. A club that rarely attracted more than a couple of hundred to home games a couple of years ago recently brought that many to a game in Dublin. Home gates are dramatically up and the level of interest in the town is reflected in the increased interest of the business community - several firms actually competed to provide match sponsorship for this weekend's cup match against Finn Harps.
For all the progress that has been made, however, it is almost certain that those clubs currently looking to have the size of the Premier Division reduced to 10 teams would look to exclude Longford on the basis that they still don't bring enough to the table.
Clubs like Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers and Derry City have made it clear that they feel the way forward is by providing more big games in better grounds. Before voting to raise the ladder behind them next week, they might consider the fact that, in relative terms, Longford have made more progress than any of them over the past couple of years.
Emmet Malone is contactable at emalone@irish-times.ie
