It's quite obvious that the League of Ireland needs investment; to give it that shot in the arm, to make more people care about it.
Twice in this decade, Irish clubs have qualified for the group stages of the Europa League and the feel-good factor was there.
On the back of a somewhat disappointing outcome for the four League of Ireland clubs involved in this season's European adventure and the financial difficulties that continue to blight the domestic game, the stock levels have fallen again.
Speaking on RTÉ ahead of Tuesday's Champions League between Benfica and PAOK, both Richie Sadlier and Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny were of the view that it's time for those in high political office to take a greater interest in the domestic game.
Sadlier said: "To bring the standard up costs money. The clubs will say that the FAI must do more, the FAI will say the clubs should take more responsibility and someone else will say the players should improve their standards.
"I think we need to look externally; the money isn't there in the FAI at the moment. The Association are currently set up at the to clear the Aviva Stadium debt which is understandable. That's not going to change. The money isn't there to invest in the league.
"There could be elite football in Ireland on a regular basis with some real investment in infrastructure"
"You need political representation from Leinster House. You need someone from there to take a big picture view, to have a vision, to pump money into the game in the hope that standards will improve. At the moment, you don't hear it been discussed at that level. There doesn't seem to be an appetite.
Kenny also called on those in power to make their voices heard.
"There has to be vision at Government level and from the County Councils around the country," he added.
"There has to be a greater vision from the Sports Minister. There could be elite football in Ireland on a regular basis with some real investment in infrastructure.
"That needs to be a priority. We could have a very, very vibrant league. We have a President, Michael D Higgins, who is very passionate about the league but not enough in Government are.
"In conjunction with the FAI we need a real blueprint to project the league forward.
"A successful team lifts morale. In Dundalk, the town is full of black and white flags. If you can have that level of passion in even bigger cities and towns great things can be achieved."
