Irish Sports Council stand firm on test procedures

THE Irish Sports Council yesterday defended themselves against criticism of their out-of-competition drug testing procedures for GAA players.

At the launch of new anti-doping rules by Sports Minister John O'Donoghue, there was concerns expressed that procedures for GAA, soccer and rugby will be undertaken at designated training venues only while athletes and swimmers can be tested in their homes at any time.

Sports Council bosses were quick to explain their reasoning for the different approaches.