Slowly, but surely, it appears that the Football Development Committee's mission to spread the word about the proposed restructuring of the championship - for a two-year trial period, starting in 2001 - is having some effect.

The decision of the Cavan county board on Monday night to back the FDC's recommendations means that, of the seven counties who have so far voted on the proposals, five of them have given the thumbs-up to change. Clare, Kerry, Limerick, Down and Cavan have all given instructions to their delegates at next month's annual congress in Galway to go with the FDC. Cork and Derry, meanwhile, have rejected the recommendations. A straight majority at congress is required to implement the proposed changes.

However, the vast majority of counties have yet to decide which way to vote and, at this stage, it looks like the real decision-making process will occur around April 3rd/4th when most boards are expected to finalise their decisions. Members of the FDC have held explanatory meetings over the past couple of months with all county boards.

"It is difficult to gauge at this stage exactly how the vote will go," claimed Pat Daly, secretary to the FDC. The FDC's restructuring envisages what amounts to an amalgamation of the existing National Football League with the early rounds of the provincial championships which would guarantee a minimum of 10 games between March and June for every team.

Tomorrow's St Patrick's Day All-Ireland club football and hurling finals are close to a sell-out because of the reduced capacity at Croke Park. All stand tickets are sold but a small number of Hill 16 tickets will go on sale from the rear of the Cusack Stand from 10 a.m. today.