More dope tests were carried out within Irish cycling last year than any other sport despite the size of the rugby and soccer pro scenes in the country.
The number of tests on GAA players is falling and more
tests were carried out within Irish cycling in 2019 that in GAA and soccer
combined.
The number of dope tests performed within Irish cycling
last year increased to 218, from 179 a year earlier.
The number of tests being carried out within rugby also
increased last year; to 196 from 178 the previous year.
Athletics comes in as the third most tested sport in
Ireland last year; some 154 tests carried out compared to 164 the previous
year.
And despite the number of rowers and swimmers competing
at international level, only a fraction of testing was carried in those sports
compared to cycling; 90 tests in rowing and 88 tests in swimming.
Advertisement
Related News
There were a total of 1,303 tests performed last year
according to Sport Ireland, across 36 sports.
Of those, 280 tests were in competition, 642 were out of competition and 381 were blood samples.
There were seven violations in 2019, including two positive
tests for cannabis and one case of missing a test, while four of the cases were
still pending.
Sport Ireland Director of Participation and Ethics, Dr
Una May, said testing was continuing at present despite the issues posed by the
Covid19 epidemic.
“While we are experiencing unprecedented and uncertain times, the anti-doping system is still functioning, albeit at a significantly reduced level of activity,” she said.
“Notwithstanding this, Sport Ireland remains in a position to act on any intelligence received; our close relationship with the HPRA, An Garda Síochána and Customs is vitally important in this regard.
“Where testing needs to take place, sample collection personnel will be following the basic principles of social distancing, and the protective measures as mandated by the Government.”
Dope tests per sport: 2019
- Cycling Ireland 218
- Irish Rugby Football Union 196
- Athletics Ireland 154
- Gaelic Athletic Association 135
- Rowing Ireland 90
- Swim Ireland 88
- Paralympics Ireland 63
- Football Association of Ireland 55
- Irish Athletic Boxing Association 50
- Triathlon Ireland 31
- Motorsport Ireland 24
- Pentathlon Ireland 24
- Irish Sailing Association 20
- Canoeing Ireland 15
- Motor Cycling Ireland 15
- Weightlifting Ireland 15
- Irish Judo Association 13
- Horse Sport Ireland 12
- Gymnastics Ireland 11
- Hockey Ireland 8
- Irish Wheelchair Association Sport 8
- Irish Martial Arts Commission 6
- American Football Ireland 4
- Badminton Ireland 4
- Basketball Ireland 4
- Camogie Association 4
- Cricket Ireland 4
- Irish Amateur Wrestling Association 4
- Irish Surfing Association 4
- Irish Taekwondo Union 4
- Irish Tug Of War Association 4
- Ladies Gaelic Football Association 4
- Rugby League Ireland 4
- Golfing Union of Ireland 3
- Irish Ladies Golf Union 3
- Irish Squash 2
Topics
