Malachy O’Rourke breaks silence on drugs case

Malachy O’Rourke has called on the GAA to provide better education for players in the wake of the two-year ban handed down to Monaghan’s Thomas Connolly for failing a drugs test.

Speaking for the first time about the incident, the Monaghan manager was mindful of a possible appeal of the sanction, which he described as “harsh” on the fringe county panellist.

“The one thing we would have been strong on from the start is that Thomas wasn’t educated in any way,” he said.

“He did take something innocently and he has paid a big price for it and his family and everything else.

“He is a good fella and he just made an unintentional mistake. Drugs in sport in a wider context, nobody wants that, and neither does Thomas, but it is a tough one for him.

“I think that the education he got wasn’t enough when there is such a harsh sanction for it.”

O’Rourke hopes some good can come out of a bad situation, providing the GAA can enhance players’ awareness of drugs and potential pitfalls of taking any medication.

“I think the GAA at large have to learn a big lesson. If the sanctions are so harsh then that’s the way it is. Once you come under the World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines, the sanctions are harsh.”

“I think it’s a case that everybody has to be aware of exactly what the regulations are, what’s banned and what’s not banned. It’s a process of education that has to be given to all players.”

O’Rourke’s work with Monaghan has been impressive and he was pleased to have led them to a third Ulster final appearance in a row, even if the performance was again below-par.

“Overall, it was good enough to get through on the day, we are delighted to be back in the third Ulster final in a row, all credit to the players, the backroom, and everyone involved.

“But we know we have a lot of work to do. It’s going to be a big ask no matter who we face because our performances to date have not been good enough to win an Ulster title.”