There is impending fixtures chaos in the National Hurling League after the postponement of Sunday's Division One A fixture between Wexford and Cork because of waterlogging at Wexford Park, writes Seán Moran

This couldn't have happened at a worse time for the Central Games Administration Committee, as there are no more blank weekends left in the NHL.

This coming Sunday is due to see the final programme of fixtures played with play-off positions to be decided. Given the delicate balance involved in Division One A where all counties except Down have a chance of progressing, it would be most undesirable to leave the fixture overhanging the concluding programme.

The only way out would be to play the match this week on Wednesday or Thursday, but that was ruled out yesterday by Wexford county secretary Mick Kinsella. "We've home venue in this fixture and Wexford Park doesn't have lights so we wouldn't be able to stage an evening match and we're not going to give up home advantage because we've still a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.

"Where are we going to go with this? I don't know, but maybe we could play Cork on Saturday and call off our final match with Down, as well as Cork's with Clare."

This is a headache for Croke Park because once there are any postponements this weekend the quarter-finals, scheduled for Sunday week, would have to be put off as well. They involve matches between the second and third-placed teams in the two sections of Division One and, with the final rankings completely up for grabs, no quarter-finals could be arranged. There will be consultation between the counties and the CGAC with a view to finding a solution, but no easy way out suggests itself.

Another problem landed on the fixtures body's desk as a result of Longford's memorable win over Kildare at the weekend in the Leinster under-21 football championship. The provincial final takes place this Sunday, the date that had been set aside for the disputed LongfordDonegal NFL Division Two A fixture.

Longford had always protested that the date wouldn't suit should their under-21s progress but it seems that not everyone anticipated that problem arising.

With Longford certain to refuse to play on the Saturday - the under-21s have a strong presence on the senior team - the only option is to explore the possibility of a midweek match next week, as the NFL concludes its programme of matches on Sunday week and the same problems relating to the NHL would apply.

Meanwhile Dublin are facing the prospect of losing centrefielder Ciarán Whelan and centre forward Tomás Quinn after knocks received in last Saturday's NFL win over Mayo. Whelan had to leave the field early in the match and has injured the AC joint in his shoulder, an injury he has sustained before.

Scans to determine the extent of the damage haven't yet taken place, but selector David Billings was pessimistic. "Ciarásays he's had this before and that he doesn't think it's too bad, but we'll have to wait and see. Whatever the results he'll be a big doubt for the Kerry match. Mossie Quinn hurt his knee and although played on, he got a reaction afterwards and he's doubtful as well."