Two positive drugs tests recorded by doping chiefs

IRISH anti-doping chiefs have recorded two positive drugs tests since the start of 2008.

A rower and a rugby player were found guilty of violations involving cannabis and asthma medication respectively during the month of February. Both received sanctions.

Mark Mahony of Terenure RFC was found to have terbutaline, a prohibited substance pursuant to the WADA Prohibited Substances List, when tested at a match against UL Bohemians on February 16.

A statement issued by the Irish Sports Council noted that: “Terbutaline is commonly found in asthma medication. An athlete may use asthma medication containing a specified Prohibited Substance provided that he or she has a Therapeutic Use Exemption from the Irish Sports Council.

“Mr Mahony failed to renew a previous Therapeutic Use Exemption upon its expiry and was sanctioned with a reprimand and warned of the serious nature of not keeping his therapeutic use exemption in order.”

Meanwhile a rower, not named as he is a minor, was found to have ‘the presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolite, cannabis’ in a urine sample collected during in-competition testing in February.

A Disciplinary Panel reprimanded the athlete and imposed a period of ineligibility corresponding to the duration of the athlete’s provisional suspension which totalled three weeks.

The Panel also issued a severe warning to the athlete as to the serious consequences of a second violation.