Irish weightlifters reprimanded after testing positive for cannabis

Dublin weightlifters John Kavanagh and Eoin Brickley have violated anti-doping rules, it was announced today.

Both were found with traces of cannabis in urine samples.

"Weightlifting Ireland and the Irish Sports Council jointly announce that the Irish Sport Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel has determined that John Kavanagh and Eoin Brickley, two weightlifters, both from Dublin, both affiliated to the Irish Amateur Weightlifting Association, have each committed an anti-doping rule violation," said a statement.

"The Panel found that, contrary to Article 2.1 of the Irish Anti-Doping Rules, both athletes tested positive for the presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolite or marker, tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis) in samples of their urine collected during testing at the Cork Open Championships on October 20, 2012.

"As the substance in question is a ‘specified substance’ the Panel took into consideration a number of factors including the determination that in both cases the athletes did not have any intent to enhance his performance.

"Similarly, in both cases the athletes immediately acknowledged the violation, for both athletes the competition in question was their first, and both expressed their regret not only for their mistake but the trouble they had caused in each case these factors were also taken into consideration.

"The Panel decision was to serve both Mr Kavanagh and Mr Brickley with a reprimand.

"The hearing was held under Article 8 (Disciplinary Process) of the Irish Anti-Doping Rules and this announcement is made pursuant to Article 15 (Public Disclosure) of the Rules."