Over 1,100 drug tests were carried out on Irish sports people in 2007, the Irish Sports Council (ISC) has said.

According to the council’s Anti-Doping Annual Report 2007, a record 1,135 tests were carried out across 37 sports. These tests led to three adverse findings, two of which resulted in sanctions – one in martial arts and one in rugby.

“The testing programme in 2007 was very extensive with relatively high numbers of tests by international standards”, explained Brendan Buckley, chairperson of the ISC’s Anti-Doping Committee.

The council said that the testing programme in 2008 will include every athlete who may represent Ireland at the Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing.

“This year is an Olympic and Paralympic year and brings renewed focus on the area of doping in sport. The council will ensure that every Irish athlete who may compete in Beijing will be tested”, said ISC chairman, Ossie Kilkenny.

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