Bobby Rea Memorial Even Ages Groups Juveniles Ulster and Northern Ireland CC Championships.

Finn Valley score highly in Ulster championships

If we were using a marking out of ten for Finn Valleys performance at last Saturdays Ulster AAI under age cross-country champs at U U J Belfast Finn Valley would have merited 7 out of 10, as seven teams medalled in the ten races. Team coach Mark Connolly expressed satisfaction with that result.

It began with an excellent start and Leanne Kelly winning the under 10 event with an effort and concentration rarely seen at this young level and led her team to victory.

The under 10 boys led home by her brother Denver finished second team just 6 pts adrift of near neighbours Letterkenny and for good measure another member of the Kelly family scored on the winning girls u 10 team. Quite a day for the family as older brother Georgie was to impact later in a medal winning team under 12.

The 12 girls went under to Cranford 24 pts for Cranford to Valleys 51 with Canon Burke, Newry on 83. Olivia Roe led the charge here for valley and the team unit continues to improve and no doubt team coaches Anne Murphy and Rosemary Mc Dermott with added speed work will further improve this dedicated group for the nationals.

The 12 boys came down to a tight team battle resulting Annalee, Cavan 52 points, Letterkenny 55, Finn Valley 77. All to play for come nationals with the added bonus of a strong Donegal contingent. Shauna Carlin is aware of this and will adapt accordingly.

The under 14 girls was always going to be interesting as the Royal and Prior school student Rebecca Ward has been training really well there was the question how well is that training going and and though out of her age bracket how would she race. The answer was a clear very well; she was caught at the start, a lesson learned there, but she closed to within 4 seconds of Iona Macey, Willowfield, and competed throughout so we now look to the Finn Valley event under 13 age range Nov. 11th.

Ryan Mc Nulty scored for Donegal Under 16 boys while his training partners at 14 age level had an improved battle with rivals Letterkenny scoring Lagan Valley 40, Letterkenny 49, Finn Valley 70. Patsy Doherty is doing a good job with these lads and we can have increased expectation as they prepare for nationals.

The under 16 girls closed in a team but are depleted by injury. The 18 girls have trained really well, consistently and with great enthusiasm and it paid off as they reversed the finish position from 2006 on west Belfast club Beechmount winning the team award led by Breda Mc Ginty ably supported by Shauna Guthrie, Ailish Patton and Paula Gallagher. Ian Ward showed signs of a hectic hockey week in Dublin and was clearly tired in 18 boys and this team were beaten by St. Malachy's but as they say there are many races yet to run.

The main thing was all the squad were out for their long run Sunday morning.

Other News

Mags O Doherty accompanied by husband Gerry travelled to Lucerne for half marathon and was delighted with her finish.

Sympathy

On a sad note we note the death of Frank Reid, Crossroads, at his home last week after a long illness. Frank the father of Donal, Bosco and Sharon each of whom competed with distinction for the club. Frank was a strong supporter of the club in its early inception and his late wife Rose was a member of the committee for many years. May he rest in peace.