Anti-Doping Committee

27 Jul 2010

Through the Irish Sports Council Act , 1999, ( Articles 18 (3) to (6)) the Council is mandated to establish an Anti-Doping Committee, chaired by a registered medical practitioner as appointed by the Minister. The role of the Anti-Doping Committee is to assist and advise the Irish Sports Council in relation to the performance of its functions under section 6 (1)(d) of the Irish Sports Council Act, including:

  • Providing assistance and advice to the Council on policy formulation relating to the three strands of testing, education and research required under the terms of the Council of Europe Anti-Doping Convention, 1989 and
  • Providing assistance and advice to the Council's staff on policy matters

In carrying out its responsibility the Committee:

  • Advises on the proposed placement of future contracts, awards of tenders, etc.;
  • Advises on the ongoing analysis of/input to the National Testing Programme and related matters including input and advice with regard to the Anti-Doping Unit's results management and quality assurance;
  • Reviews and advises on education programmes;
  • Reviews and advises on research requirements;
  • Reviews and advises on national and international policies and requirements in conjunction with the Anti-Doping Unit;
  • Advises the Irish Sports Council on budgetary and resource requirements with regard to the development of the Anti-Doping Programme


The Anti-Doping Committee members are:

Ms. Caroline Murphy, (Chairperson), Broadcaster and Psychologist, Avondale Media Services

Prof. Brendan Buckley, Consultant Physician, Cork Regional Hospital, Bon Secours Hospital, Cork

Dr. Joan Gilvarry, Medical Director, Health Products Regulatory Authority

Prof. Patrick Guiry, Chemist, UCD

Dr. Bill Cuddihy, Former Medical Officer to Athletics Association of Ireland

Dr. Anthony McCarthy, Psychiatrist, St Vincent's Hospital

Mr. Mel Christle, Senior Counsel

Ms. Wendy Henderson, Anti-Doping Education Officer, Sport Northern Ireland

Mr. Bernard Allen, Former Sports Minister, Sport Ireland Board Member

Mr. Patrick O’Connor, Managing Partner at P.O’Connor & Sons Solicitors, Sport Ireland Board Member