Anti-doping unit finds six positive from 762 tests

THE anti-doping unit of the Irish Sports Council carried out 841 tests last year including 36 tests for international federations and 79 tests under their “user pays” scheme whereby national governing bodies request and pay for additional tests.

Under the National Programme, a target of 750 tests was set and this was exceeded by 12 as the drive against drugs in sport reached a new level. In addition there were 82 tests for alcohol.

There were six positive findings in 2002 compared with 12 in 2000 and four in 2001 levels that remain consistent with current international experience.

The positive tests were in athletics with two testing positive for Salbutamol. In one case, medical notification was provided while in the other case of an overseas competitor they are awaiting notification of action taken.

Salbutamol was also the agent discovered in the case of one of two swimmers who tested positive, while the other tested for Terbutaline. In both of those cases medical notification was provided.

A rugby player tested positive for the stimulant Pseudoephedrine and this resulted in admonishment and a warning.

A sailor tested for the anabolic agent Fenoterol and was reprimanded.

Dr Conor O'Brien, chairman of the anti-doping committee, said they had improved the access of the medical fraternity to information in regard to drugs in sport and they had a doctor on the staff of the Irish Sports Council now.

General practitioners or other medical advisors could contact or speak to a doctor and their website was one of the better websites in this whole area and was commended at the recent WADA conference where many of the delegates commented on it.

The only NGB not involved in out-of-competition testing at the moment is the GAA, but it was pointed out at yesterday's publication of the anti-doping annual report that negotiations were continuing.

Last year, two GAA players refused to provide specimens but, subsequently, provided samples for analysis and were reprimanded.

In all, 44 GAA players were tested last year, as athletics headed the list with a total of 147 tests followed by rowing with 70 and cycling with 61.

In the case of alcohol testing there were 49 tests in motorcycling and 33 in motorsport.

The IRFU paid for 52 extra tests, the IRB for 11 and the Six Nations for 16.

The two-year ban agreed under the Copenhagen Declaration is a bone of contention with some sports, but Dr Una May, the acting programme manager of the ADU, said all sports will be expected to sign up to harmonise mandatory sanctions in relation to doping offences.

She said that, from now on, all sports would have the same list of prohibitive substances.

John Treacy, chief executive of the Irish Sports Council, said there were significant developments at international level in the global fight against doping in sport and the council would ensure that Ireland remains at the forefront of that battle.