Athletes and members of the public can now report suspected doping in Irish sport anonymously through WhatsApp, following the launch of a new system by Sport Ireland aimed at strengthening trust and integrity across all levels of competition.
The service, called RealResponse, was unveiled alongside Sport Ireland’s Anti Doping Annual Report 2025 and is designed to give people a safe, confidential way to raise concerns directly with anti doping officials.
The move is being positioned as a significant step in encouraging whistleblowing and early intervention in cases of suspected drug use.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said the initiative underlines a broader commitment to protecting fair play.
“Clean sport is the foundation of fair competition,” he said.
“Sport Ireland’s Anti-Doping programme protects the integrity of Irish sport through a world-class testing, education, and enforcement system.
“All of us remain steadfastly committed to building a culture where clean sport is the norm, not the exception.”
The report highlights a sharp increase in education efforts, with Sport Ireland delivering 60 sessions in 2025, reaching 1,697 athletes and support personnel.
A further 27 sessions were delivered by National Governing Bodies to more than 2,200 athletes under Sport Ireland guidance.
Minister of State for Sport Charlie McConalogue said maintaining integrity requires constant vigilance.
“The integrity of sport depends on staying ahead of those who seek to undermine it. Sport Ireland’s Anti-Doping Unit is doing just that, working at national, European, and international level to ensure Irish sport is prepared for all challenges.
“I am confident that the foundations we are building now will protect the future of clean sport.”
Alongside the WhatsApp reporting system, Sport Ireland has also introduced a new database to manage its testing programme and invested in a mobile testing unit to improve sample collection at events and training grounds without suitable facilities.
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said the new reporting channel is about empowering individuals to act.
“A key part of our mission at Sport Ireland is to ensure that sport in Ireland is conducted with integrity and respect.
“By introducing RealResponse’s real-time WhatsApp channel, we are empowering athletes and sports leaders alike to speak up, to act, and to uphold a culture of safe and ethical sport.”
She added that the platform allows users to communicate directly with anti doping teams while preserving anonymity, enabling faster responses and support.
Siobhán Leonard, Director of Anti Doping at Sport Ireland, said the programme continues to focus on athlete welfare as well as enforcement.
“In the Anti-Doping Unit we are dedicated to clean sport and our athlete-first approach ensures sportspeople can excel while prioritising their physical and mental health.
“This approach is crucial in safeguarding both performance integrity and athlete wellbeing.”
Officials say the reporting system also feeds into a wider global framework, operating in line with the World Anti Doping Code to ensure Irish sport meets international standards.