Irish athlete facing doping allegations

Athletics Ireland has confirmed that an Irish athlete is being investigated over an alleged doping violation.

A statement released on Saturday morning read: “Athletics Ireland can confirm that it has been advised of an alleged anti-doping rule violation by an Irish athlete following an adverse finding in a test taken in December last (2011).

“The matter will now be the subject of a hearing before the Irish Sport Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel which is to be convened in the very near future.

"Under the Irish Anti Doping Rules, Athletics Ireland cannot comment further until the Panel concludes its work and its final determination has been issued.”

A spokeman for Athletics Ireland told RTÉ Sport that the athlete in question would not be named until the conclusion of the hearing.