A GAELIC FOOTBALLER has been suspended for two years after testing positive for a banned substance.
Thomas Connolly from Monaghan failed an out-of-competition drugs test on 13 February after anabolic steriod stanozolol was found in his system. On 10 May, the Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA) revealed that it was advising the player.
In a joint statement released by the GAA and the Irish Sports Council today, it has been confirmed that he will be ineligible from the game for two years commencing on 18 March 2015, although he has the right to appeal within 21 days under the Irish Anti-Doping Rules.
The GAA Anti-Doping Hearings Committee decided against the standard four-year suspension as it believed that he took the substance unintentionally.
The Irish Sports Council have recently announced plans to introduce blood tests for GAA players next year.
The committee also expressed serious concerns in a general summation of the case.
“Not withstanding this finding, the Committee is seriously concerned about the apparent lack of understanding and application of anti-doping rules and processes at County Level in this case.
“Whilst we are impressed by the evidence of Messers McGill and Harvey in respect of anti-doping education at central level, we would urge the GAA to intensify its work to ensure that all players, county officers, coaches, managers, medical and allied sports science personnel and players representatives are fully cognisant of their obligations under the Association’s anti-doping rules.”
