Kilkenny manager Brian Cody is facing the possible long-term loss of two key players through injury after Sunday's win over Offaly in the Leinster semi-final. Centre forward John Power is the biggest worry due to a groin injury that flared up after half an hour in Croke Park and defender Peter Barry has a broken thumb.

Power had contributed two points to Kilkenny's tally before limping off after 30 minutes. "It is quite serious," said Cody yesterday, "and the fear is there is a tear in the groin. That will see him out of action for a while, and possibly a long while.

"Right now he is a definite doubt for the Leinster final. We're hoping an operation won't be necessary and that rest and plenty of physio will sort it out."

The only consolation is Eddie Brennan, who replaced Power, played an influential role, scoring 1-2 and causing persistent problems for the Offaly defence. Henry Shefflin took over on the 40 in Power's absence.

However, with less than four weeks to go to the Leinster final meeting with Wexford on July 8th, Power's availability is already under major doubt. At 33, Power's fitness level continues to impress, maintained by his dedicated lifestyle and persistence with long-distance running. An operation at this stage of his career, however, could prove a serious setback.

Barry, who started at wing back against Offaly, was taken off seven minutes from time but it was only discovered afterwards he had broken his thumb. "It is actually broken in a bad area," said Cody, "and that means he will be doubtful for the Leinster final as well."

Limerick manager Eamonn Cregan also has a major worry over midfielder James Moran ahead of their Munster hurling final meeting with Tipperary on July 1st. Moran is awaiting further examination on an injured thumb suffered in the win over Waterford. Offaly manager Michael Bond, meanwhile, will take time to consider his future with the county after the disappointment of Sunday's loss. He returned to the position after last year's championship following Pat Fleury's decision to step down and although the agreement was only for the one year, Bond has yet to indicate what the future might hold.

"The situation with Offaly right now is to let things settle for a while," said county PRO Pat Teehan. "Michael came back for the year but no one knows yet what will happen next year."

Laois manager Sean Cuddy is also considering his future with the county after Sunday's loss to Wexford, but so far he has not indicated to the county board whether he will remain in the position for another year. With Gerald McCarthy stepping down as Waterford hurling manager following Sunday's defeat to Limerick, and indicating he is not interested in taking over as Cork manager for now, there are now two high-profile vacancies in Munster hurling management.

The search for a replacement for Tom Cashman in Cork is continuing but according to county PRO Pat Horgan yesterday, the dust is still being allowed to settle after the shock defeat to Limerick.

"The report from that game hasn't even come before the county board yet and there have been no meetings since," he said. "So it will be another few weeks before the process of finding a new manager even begins."

Horgan didn't rule out the possibility that McCarthy may be approached. Even though the former Cork captain said after the loss to Limerick his family will now be getting his full attention, it remains to be seen if the Cork county board can persuade him otherwise.

The Ulster Council has confirmed over the weekend that London will be allowed into their provincial hurling championship. Although the London football side were denied a game in the championship because of foot-and-mouth fears, the hurling side will be allowed to face reigning Ulster champions Derry in the semi-final at Casement Park on July 1st.

Meanwhile, the Connacht football final between Roscommon and Mayo has been fixed for Hyde Park on July 1st, pending an inspection by safety officers. Roscommon are due the home venue, but redevelopment work on Hyde Park put that under threat. Although the new stand won't be completed, an all-ticket capacity of around 30,000 is expected to get clearance.