Sport Ireland and Motorcycling Ireland jointly announce that James Mackrel has committed an anti-doping rule violation

Sport Ireland and Motorcycling Ireland jointly announced today that James Mackrel has committed an anti-doping rule violation.   

Mr Mackrel tested positive for cannabis / Carboxy-THC in a sample provided during in-competition testing on 18 August 2024 contrary to Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the Irish Anti-Doping Rules.    

He has been sanctioned by the imposition of a period of ineligibility of three months. A three-month ban applies in respect of a substance of abuse such as cannabis, if an athlete can establish that they took cannabis out-of-competition and that it was unrelated to sport performance. Mr Mackrel provided corroborating evidence in this regard.    

On June 13, 2025, Sport Ireland formally charged the athlete and advised him that it was of the view that a three-month ban was appropriate. He did not respond to the charge letter and was deemed to have accepted the three-month ban and waived his right to a hearing.   

The period of ineligibility starts from the date of the decision, which means that it will expire at midnight on November 5th, 2025.   

The reasoned decision is available at Sanctions | Sport Ireland.    

This announcement is made pursuant to Article 15 (Public Disclosure) of the Rules.