Kavanagh recalls invasive drugs testing experience

Rory Kavanagh believes drugs testing is a necessity even if he didn’t enjoy his own experience of being tested

RORY Kavanagh has revealed the ‘intrusive’ experience of being required to produce a urine sample in the immediate aftermath of Donegal’s Division One final win over Mayo in 2007.

Drug testing in the GAA hit the spotlight this week when it came to public attention that Kerry footballer Brendan O’Sullivan tested positive for the stimulant methylhexaneamine after his substitute appearance in last year’s league final defeat to Dublin.

In a career spanning 16 years, Rory Kavanagh played 146 times for Donegal before announcing his retirement from the intercounty scene in January. He was only required to take one drugs test in that period, and he recounts a frustrating experience.

“They come and inform you first of all on the pitch. I didn’t get to do any of the celebrating on the pitch with the boys which I felt was a wee bit unfair.

“I was taken off and shepherded down the tunnel into the testing area. We didn’t get time to shower or anything, we were still in our jerseys. They sit you down and ask you can you recall all the supplements or vitamins or medication that you’ve been taking.

“You’re kinda racking your brains. It’s disclosed to the testers and they ask you to do a urine sample and they basically follow you into the toilet and stand behind you.”

The full interview with Rory Kavanagh is available in store today or online here.