Dessie Farrell: It was only a matter of time before positive test

Confirmation that a GAA player has tested positive for a banned substance was inevitable, according to Gaelic Players Association (GPA) chief executive Dessie Farrell.

The unnamed player’s case is currently being dealt with by the GAA’s own Anti-Doping Hearings Committee following an adverse out-of-competition finding from a test undertaken in February.

The law of averages dictated this day would come, but Farrell insisted there is no culture of doping in Gaelic games even if younger players and those on the fringes of county panels may be somewhat more at risk than their more established counterparts. Cork goalkeeper Anthony Nash, speaking at the same launch of the official new GAA ‘Cul Heroes’ trading cards, backed up Farrell’s claim that the use of illegal drugs was not something that should be deemed a clear and present danger.