Carlow manager Turlough O’Brien says there are ‘flaws’ in GAA’s antidoping education system

Thirty-five year old Carlow player Ray Walker tested positive for a banned substance, Meldonium, in February and was banned in April for four years

Carlow manager Turlough O’Brien claims there are ‘flaws’ in the GAA’s antidoping education system.

Thirty-five year old Carlow player Ray Walker tested positive for a banned substance, Meldonium, in February and was banned in April for four years.

County players must complete formal online anti-doping education before 31 March annually to be eligible to receive a minimum of €1,000 in government support, but as Walker only rejoined the county panel for the 2020 season he was ineligible to apply for that grant until 2021 and had not completed the training.

O’Brien said: “There certainly are flaws in the whole system. The GAA need to look at it. It doesn’t make sense that you are testing players and you haven’t had a chance to complete your training.

“Everybody would feel for him. It is just so difficult. It is probably the end of his career. The effort he put in was unreal, he was in super shape.”