RTE news John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council, has hailed the success of the dope testing programme after revealing that 1135 tests were carried out last year.
The tests were carried out across 35 sports, with only two positive results – one in martial arts and one in rugby.
Treacey said: ‘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.’
Brendan Buckley, Chairperson of the Anti-Doping Committee, added: ‘The testing programme in 2007 was very extensive with a relatively high number of tests by international standards.’
The testing programme in 2008 will include every athlete who may represent Ireland at Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
