Sport Ireland has released it’s Anti-Doping testing data for 2024, during which a record number of tests were carried out. Sport Ireland has also shared sample and testing data for boxing.
In 2024 Sport Ireland collected 2,029 samples – the highest number gathered since the programme began in 1999. This represents an 11% increase on samples collected in 2023.
Last year, Sport Ireland conducted 102 anti-doping tests on boxers, and no rule violations were reported. The 2024 figure represented an increase of almost 20% on 2023.
Paris Olympian, Grainne Walsh, was invited to speak at the launch, and share her experience of clean sport, in terms of the principle of athlete strict liability, whereabouts filings, medchecking and testing in and out of competition. She says “Reputation means a lot to us in Ireland… we want the rest of the world to know that we win fairly.”
The anti-doping program encompassed 35 sports, with a strategic balance of testing: 22% of samples were collected during competitions, while the majority (78%) were obtained out-of-competition.
The samples are comprised of urine, blood serum, blood Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) and dried blood spot (DBS), reflecting the comprehensive nature of the testing carried out.
The full report is available here
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “The Anti-Doping Unit’s dedication to clean sport and an athlete-first approach ensures sportspeople can excel while prioritising their physical and mental health. This approach is crucial in safeguarding both performance integrity and athlete wellbeing.”
Sport Ireland Chairperson John Foley said: “We would like to thank our athletes and support personnel for their commitment to keeping sport free from doping. Our work has also been greatly aided by all those athletes who have taken on the role of advocates and ambassadors for clean sport – we want to thank them as well.”
Independent Anti-Doping learning
Anti-doping learning is available free, and online, for all IABA members: athletes at all levels, coaches, support personnel and parents.
- Sport Ireland’s anti-doping eLearning tool
- WADA’s anti-doping eLearning for international athletes
- WADA’s anti-doping eLearning for national athletes
- WADA’s anti-doping eLearning for talented/pre HP athletes
- WADA’s anti-doping eLearning for coaches
- WADA’s anti-doping eLearning for support staff
- WADA’s anti-doping eLearning for parents.