Sport Ireland and Canoeing Ireland jointly announce that Ronan Foley has committed an anti-doping rule violation

Sport Ireland and Canoeing Ireland jointly announced today that Ronan Foley has committed an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV).   

Mr Foley tested positive for a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (‘SARM’), specifically enobosarm (ostarine), during out-of-competition testing on 18 May 2025 contrary to Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the Irish Anti-Doping Rules.    

On June 17, 2025, Sport Ireland notified the athlete that he was provisionally suspended, and on 24 July 2025 Sport Ireland formally charged the athlete with the ADRVs. The athlete admitted the violations and sanctions proposed by Sport Ireland.   

The athlete stated that he takes the issue of anti-doping extremely seriously, and that he has never knowingly committed an ADRV.    

As the athlete has admitted to the ADRVs and accepted the sanctions the period of ineligibility is reduced from four years to three years, pursuant to Article 10.7.1 of the Rules. The three-year ban takes effect from June 17, 2025. The athlete's period of ineligibility shall expire at midnight on June 16, 2028.    

The reasoned decision is available at Sanctions | Sport Ireland.  

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