Banner and Cork explain missed drug tests

All-Ireland champions Clare were among five top hurling counties who were absent for mandatory drugs tests last year.

Cork, Galway, Limerick and Tipperary were also fined for ‘missing’ one drugs test in 2013 as were the footballers of Donegal and Kildare. Clare ‘missed’ two tests on March 5 and March 22, 2013.

A Freedom of Information Act request revealed the seven county boards were handed penalties (the cost of the tests) totalling €4,784 and ranging from €453 in Kildare’s case last June to €791 in Cork’s situation last February.