ISC reports 3 positive tests in 2007

There were three adverse findings from 1,135 doping tests carried out by the Irish Sports Council in 2007.

There were three adverse findings from 1,135 doping tests carried out by the Irish Sports Council in 2007.

The record number of tests were conducted across 37 sports and resulted in two sanctions, in martial arts and rugby.

The ISC says it will test every Irish Olympic and Paralympic athlete prior to competition this year.

Already this year there have been two positive tests reported.

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A minor amateur rower was suspended for three weeks for providing a sample found to show traces of cannabis, while an amateur rugby player was warned and reprimanded after his sample contained traces of Terbutaline, a substance commonly found in asthma medication.

During December's European Short Course championships in Hungary, Andrew Bree, Ireland's only Olympic swimmer to qualify for Beijing thus far, tested positive for a drug commonly found in Vicks inhaler products.

This test was carried out by LEN, the European governing body for swimming, and could result in Bree being banned from competition.

"2008 is an Olympic and Paralympic year and brings a renewed focus on the area of doping in sport," chairman of the ISC, Ossie Kilkenny, said today.  "The Council will ensure that every Irish athlete who may compete in Beijing at the Olympic or Paralympic Games will be tested."

ISC chief executive John Treacy, added: "2007 was a big year for the Council with a comprehensive testing programme and bringing the testing in-house. There were significant initiatives in education and training.

"2008 will present different challenges but we have put in place an excellent programme that has a proven record in the area of anti-doping".