Number of people exercising in pandemic 'unprecedented'

During the pandemic, and particularly in lockdowns, 'the numbers of active adults had never been as high', say Sport Ireland.

Just seven anti-doping rule violations were detected last year, with Sport Ireland also hailing how physical activity boosted the nation's spirits during the pandemic.

In its 2020 annual report, which has been laid before the Oireachtas, the chief executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy, said that people turning to sport from the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic was "not just an observation". Research indicates that during lockdown periods, in particular, people exercised more.