Posted online: Nov 25th, 2008

With Glenn Ryan

The recent gross mistreatment of Aidan O’Mahony in relation to his recent failed drug test illustrates exactly why GAA players are so against the introduction of certain drug testing procedures. 

It was only a matter of time before someone was tripped up by a process that expects a corner-back on the Fermanagh Senior Hurling Team (no disrespect) to adhere to virtually the same regulations as record breaking Olympians such as Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps. 

O’Mahony’s greatest crime is suffering from an asthmatic condition which has affected him since childhood. 

In order to treat this condition, he like thousands of other sufferers must take an inhaler to improve their day-to-day living. 

The substance that O’Mahony has been castigated for is ‘salbutamol’ – an essential element in the working of an inhaler.   

The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) issue guidelines to which National Doping Programmes must follow.

Gaelic Players are subject to a procedure conducted by the Anti Doping Programme of the Irish Sports Council. 

Aidan O’Mahony, as well as many other asthma sufferers who play for county teams, must seek a therapeutic use exemption from the Irish Sports Council in order to alert them of the condition and their use of the inhaler. This is to prevent a situation like the current Kerry centre-half back now finds himself in.

Serious questions must be answered by those responsible if one of our top GAA stars has been left totally exposed to such serious allegation, when it seems the player, his doctor, his county board did all that was required of them. 

Throughout this whole process the age-old entitlement of being innocent until proven guilty was thrown out the window. 

The anonymity the player should have been afforded until the due diligence of the investigation was carried out, but it was ignored.

A suspension was immediately imposed on the man and his name worryingly got into the public domain only a matter of hours after he himself had been notified.  

I am totally against the taking of any drugs whether it is for performance enhancement or a persons own recreational use. 

I recognise the importance of putting structures in place, which prevents the use of drugs to enhance a player’s performance while playing our games.

I do however believe we should not loose track of the fact that players play our games for a personal love and desire that few other athletes in the world can claim.

When the poor management and lack of communication by people in professional positions leaves these fine men exposed to a public trial and humiliation, similar to what Aidan O’Mahony has been subject to, there must be a reassessment of what is best for our players by those who are ultimately responsible.