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.