Athletics Ireland issued a Press Release today regarding the decision on Geraldine Hendricken's doping penalty.

On February 10th 2003, an out of competition dope test was conducted on one of the Association's athletes, Geraldine Hendricken.

The sample provided was tested in the IOC accredited laboratory in Kings College, London. The Laboratory reported that the sample contained 19-norandrosterone, a metabolite of a banned substance.

Ms. Hendricken was provisionally suspended pending the outcome of an investigation and hearing.

The athlete requested testing of the 'b' sample. The 'b' analysis confirmed the finding of the 'a' sample.

The athlete requested that dietary supplements, which she claimed were part of her diet be analyzed.

Athletics Ireland commissioned the German Sports Institute in Cologne to conduct an analysis of these supplements. The Cologne laboratory reported that the supplements contained an anabolic androgenic steroid, which could if taken, lead to a positive test for norandrosterone.

The athlete requested an oral hearing and a disciplinary committee sat on the 4th September 2003 to hear the case. The committee consisted of Mel Christle S.C. (Chair), Jack Watson and Brendan Buckley. Athletics Ireland and the athlete were legally represented.

Having considered the reports and heard the evidence the committee concluded that a doping offence had occurred within the rules and recommended that a two-year suspension be imposed.

The executive committee of Athletics Ireland met on 20th September and imposed the suspension from 7th March 2003 up to the next Congress to be held 24th April 2004. The executive will also bring a motion to Congress to confirm the suspension of the athlete up to 6th March 2005.

In the course of the proceedings it emerged that Ms Hendricken ingested supplements, which were not labeled as containing a banned substance and which she did not know to be contaminated. However all athletes must be aware that they are responsible for any banned substances found in their bodies and must exercise great caution before taking any dietary supplement.

Athletics Ireland acknowledges the role of the Sports Council in promoting a rigorous testing policy in Irish athletics and reaffirms the commitment of Athletics Ireland to that policy and to the integrity of the anti-doping rules.