There have been a few attempts at establishing a "so-called" weaker counties All-Ireland competition, but the we could be closer it now than ever.
Along with the drastic changes being proposed to the U-21 championship, the GAA is also considering a fresh attempt at creating a viable alternative for the weaker-counties.
The proposal, which will need to be passed at next month's meeting in Carlow, is almost identical to the Tommy Murphy Cup that was abolished in 2008. The main difference is that the provincial championships will be retained.
The tournament will see eight teams drawn from Division Four of the Allianz Football League diverted into the All-Ireland B Championship, with the winners being guaranteed entry into the All-Ireland qualifiers for the following season.
It's the GAA's main belief that the difference between the failure of the Tommy Murphy Cup and this proposal is the retention of the provincial championships and the creation of credible alternative tournament for the weaker counties.
Whether this is all hot air, or something real we won't find out unless it passes. Do you think it should?
[Sunday Times]
See Also: The GAA Are Planning Major Changes To The U21 Championship
Picture credit; Oliver McVeigh / SPORTSFILE