STRATEGIC REVIEW 2002: Although it has been argued before that Dublin has lost All-Ireland titles twice in the one year, the accusation will take on new meaning if the most radical proposal of the Strategic Review comes to pass.

The division of the county into two entities, with the river Liffey as the boundary, is certain to inflame the conservative elements within the association and add a sporting dimension to the endless northside/southside debate. Although traditionally the northside has been the fountain for Dublin's inter-county stars, the emergence of Thomas Davis in 1989 initiated a period of well-being for south Dublin clubs before Na Fianna wrestled pre-eminence back across the Liffey. This division would, for the moment, not apply to the Dublin hurling team.

The report states that Dublin, where a quarter of the population now resides, has a larger catchment potential for the GAA than two of the provinces. With one club for every 12,000 citizens, lack of resources and the absence of a plan for the future are identified as the key stumbling blocks in the development of the GAA in the city.

January 2003 has been suggested as an ideal starting point for the new 'two county committees' to start operation. The committees would start by fielding two minor teams, with two Dublin teams contesting the All-Ireland senior football championship by 2005.

•Following the fiasco over the opening of Croke Park at last year's Congress, a motion to permit Central Council to decide upon the availability of the stadium for major international events has been forwarded. It is emphasised that any decision taken wo uld have no implications for other grounds across the country.

However, there is a proviso that any decision should be deferred until the new pitch has been given adequate time to settle.

•The report states that a second GAA stadium - "possibly government sponsored" - is required for the capital city to accommodate the new championship format.

•The issue of player earning potential is addressed, with a recommendation that athletes should benefit from any advertising or endorsement ventures they attract.

•A reduction to 13-a-side has been proposed as an experiment for the National Football League for 2003/2004. Player congestion has become an increasing problem for football.

•Not only is it advised that six substitutes be permitted per game, it is also suggested that these six merge with the original playing team and that all players can be inter-changed as frequently as mentors see fit.

•Congress should be reorganised, with Central Council assuming some of the responsibilities while the Management Committee should in turn take on some of the Central Council workload.

•Provincial Counties should adapt an "interventionist role" for counties that are struggling to perform.

The other main findings of the report are:

•That camogie and women's football be fully integrated to the GAA.

Players at club level should be guaranteed a minimum of 20 games in a pre-planned programme.

•Referees should be aided by appropriate technology and systems and that a spokesperson for games officials be appointed.

•No urban club should serve a catchment area of over 25,000 people while a maximum population of 5,000 is recommended for rural clubs.

•A stadium for up to 60,000 people, with two-thirds seating, should be developed in Munster, Connacht and Ulster. A strategy for investment in GAA stadia should be orchestrated centrally.

•A marketing division should be established in Croke Park.

•Every county should finalise the appointment of a full-time Executive Office within the next five years.

•The report devotes considerable space to the GAA's role in contemporary Irish society and on attracting young people to the organisation. The principle of amateur status is also dissected. It is strongly recommended that the association redefine amateurism so that it does not contradict or clash with the modern demands placed on athletes or on the cost of running teams at club and inter-county level.