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.

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. 

There was one Anti-Doping Rule Violation in 2023 where an individual participated in competitions and activities while serving a ban for an anti-doping violation that took place in 2019. The individual was sanctioned with an additional period of ineligibility of four years. 

The Sport Ireland Anti-Doping Programme helps to ensure that sport is drug free. It does this through three key elements; testing, research, and education.    

Sport Ireland’s commitment to clean sport hinges on a proactive ‘education first’ approach, and vital resources are delivered through webinars, in-person workshops, and our comprehensive e-learning portal. In 2024, we delivered 42 education sessions that reached 1,469 stakeholders. 

In addition to this there were 22 sessions delivered by National Governing Bodies and 3,521 people completed either Sport Ireland or World Anti-Doping Agency online Anti-Doping Education and Learning courses. This approach further fosters an environment that allows athletes to focus on becoming the best they can be.