GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell believes it was 'inevitable' that a GAA player would test positive for steroid use.

Drug-testing was introduced to gaelic games back in 2002 and reacting to the news that a Monaghan footballer has fallen foul of the rules, Farrell told The Irish Independent: "In some ways it is quite remarkable that it has taken this long.

"(Irish Sports Council's Anti-Doping manager) Una May said herself that the GAA was a low-risk category and I think that was very valid.

"Right from the get-go we have always spoken of the importance to be vigilant even though we never believed it to be an issue.

"We wanted to do all we can to educate the players and inform the players. And (we) have all the stakeholders involved up to speed with the potential for performance-enhancing drugs to be introduced to the sport at some point.

"It has been a long, long time since we were first making those statements but there was probably a degree of inevitability that a case would emerge somewhere along the journey."

Dublin star James McCarthy echoed Farrell's sentiments: "I'd be very surprised (if drug-taking was an issue) from what I have seen myself.

"The way it is going there might be a bit more pressure on fellas to break through and they might try it but I don't see it as a problem really."

Education is key for players according to the Ballymun Kickhams clubman.

"We'd have a fair idea and if you had any doubts you'd go to the doctor. I remember we got given these little books on what you couldn't take.

"We'd be pretty well-versed. It could be an issue for say younger players. They should definitely get a crash course."

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