O’Reilly Expected To Appeal Failed Drugs Test

Earlier this afternoon, his legal representatives lodged his case with Sport Ireland.

Following the positive test, O’Reilly has the right to request a B-sample and it has been reported that he intends to do so.

Irish boxer Michael O’Reilly has been suspended provisionally after failing a dope test carried out before he arrived in Rio.

Paddy Barnes, their light flyweight boxer seeded No 4 here, finished with bronze medals at the last two Games.

When asked about the O’Reilly situation after welterweight Steven Donnelly opened Ireland’s account with a win over Algeria’s Zohir Kadeche yesterday, Irish coach Eddie Bolger said: “It’s a great week for Irish boxing”.

The boxer’s representatives are likely to argue on that he either inadvertently took the banned substance or that the substance he ingested was contaminated.

It has never commented on any matters of this nature and would not be doing so in this instance, a spokesman told the Irish Examiner.

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association released a statement acknowledging the failure.

Minister Ross said: “I would like to extend my very best wishes to Team Ireland for the Rio Olympic Games”.

The 23-year-old, who is from Clonmel, Co Tipperary, and fights out of Portlaoise Boxing Club, this week failed a drugs test and has been suspended from the competition.

Electric Ireland are hoping that that the achievements of our Team Ireland athletes over the next sixteen days will not just unite the country but inspire both them and us to unlock The Power Within.

Ireland’s boxing team has been thrown into crisis as O’Reilly’s positive test emerges on eve of 2016 Games in Rio.