Monaghan footballer under investigation after testing positive for steroid

We guess it had to happen eventually

A member of the Monaghan football squad has become the just the second GAA player to fail a doping test, according to reports in today's Sunday Independent and Sunday Times. The unnamed player, believed to be in his 20s, is not a regular member of the senior county side but has been 'on the fringes of the squad'. The urine test returned a positive for a steroid and if a satisfactory explanation is not found he could become the first player to receive a doping suspension from the GAA, who it is understood have yet to be notified of the positive result. The Association reached an agreement with the Irish Sports Council in 2001 to begin testing players, with 89 samples - both in and out of competition - taken in 2014. Blood testing is also expected to be introduced soon, possibly next year. Kerry footballer Aidan O'Mahony had the only previous failed test in 2008, for asthma medication Salbutamol, but the player subsequently received an exemption for his inhaler and avoided any discipline. The GPA have now issued a statement on today's reports,revealing that they are have offered their support to the footballer who is not a member of the GPA

'The GPA is currently advising a GAA player who has had an adverse finding as a result of an out-of-competition drug test in February of this year. The player in question is a trial panellist and whilst he is not a member of the GPA, the Association is nonetheless providing him with personal and professional support. As the process before the GAA Anti-Doping Hearings Committee is ongoing the GPA will be making no further comment on the matter until the Hearings Committee has concluded its deliberations. The GPA is committed to supporting the Anti-Doping protocols.'