It had been expected to happen sooner rather than later.
But the League of Ireland received a real shot in the arm with the news that Dundalk duo Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle have been called up to the provisional senior squad by Martin O'Neill.
While many players who started out in Irish domestic soccer have had recognition with Ireland once they moved abroad, those that have stayed on these shores rarely get the opportunity to win a call-up.
But Dundalk's success is unprecedented in this Millennium with three league titles in a row added to by an adventure in the Europa League group stages that has yielded a win and a draw, with three matches still to go.
While Horgan and Boyle will hope to make the final cut for the Ireland squad to take on Austria this month in a World Cup qualifier.
They would join a select cast of players that have managed to take to the field for the Boys in Green while still playing in the League of Ireland.
Glen Crowe
A prolific goalscorer for Bohemians and Shelbourne at the turn of the Millennium, Crowe's domestic form gained international recognition with a call-up to the Ireland squad in November 2002 for a friendly against Greece.
The two-time PFAI Player of the Year was the first League of Ireland to be thrust onto the international scene for 16 years with caretaker manager Don Givens adding him to the mix.
Crowe started up front and played all but the four final minutes when he was replaced by the former Stoke long-throw expert Rory Delap.
Interestingly, Wes Hoolahan who was only 20-years-old and still at Shelbourne also got a call-up for that match, although he didn't play.
Crowe played once more for Ireland in a 2003 friendly against Norway.
Joe Gamble of Ireland with Leonel Reyes of Bolivia ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
Jason Byrne
Another prolific forward in the shape of Robbie Keane's cousin was also rewarded with the opportunity to play for Ireland.
Like Crowe, former Shels striker Byrne would win two caps, with then manager Brian Kerr giving him game-time in a friendly against Poland in 2004.
Steve Staunton also played him against Chile in 2006.
Joe Gamble
The ex-Cork City midfielder last played in Brunei but 2007 would also see him win two caps. He would first get a call-up for the 2006 Chile match, but would get on the pitch under Staunton during clashes against Ecuador and Bolivia in the USA.
Before those senior achievements, he had won eight caps for the under-21s and had also played in a B international.
Gary Rogers
Most recently, the Dundalk goalkeeper has won some call-ups under Martin O'Neill, being included as a reserve keeper in squads against Netherlands, Oman and Serbia.
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