Sport Ireland has published its Anti-Doping Review for 2015.
1,028 tests were conducted, including 295 blood tests. Athletics was the most tested sport with 206 tests, followed by cycling, rugby and Gaelic games.
There were three positive tests for banned substances, one in Gaelic Games with Monaghan footballer Thomas Connolly receiving a two-year ban for the use of anabolic steroids.
In motorsport, driver Gareth Hayden was banned for 15 months for use of a stimulant.
The third case is pending.
Caroline Murphy, chairperson of Sport Ireland's anti-doping committee, said: “Sport Ireland will continue to contribute to the field of Anti -Doping at an international level.
"This will include providing feedback on relevant WADA International Standards and Guidelines during 2016.
"We will also actively contribute to the global anti-doping fight through membership of iNADO (International National Anto-doping Organistation).
"Sport Ireland was granted its quality recognition for sample collection and is the first National Anti-Doping Organisation to receive this recognition”.
Testing Highlights for 2015
• Blood Testing Figures increased by 5%
• User Pays programme tests increased by 21%
• In-competition tests accounted for 25% of national testing programme, out-of-competition tests for 75% national testing programme
• Whereabouts Failures decreased by 80% (18 whereabouts failures in 2013 and four in 2014)
• Unsuccessful attempts on team sports decreased by 20%
• Unsuccessful attempts on the Registered Testing Pool decreased by 25%
• Sport Ireland signed agreement with USADA to conduct drug testing on UFC on behalf of USADA
