AAI Woodie's DIY Inter-county and Juvenile Even Ages Cross Country Championships.

Valley athlete wards off the challenge

Ian Ward, Finn Valley saw off the strong challenge to come home to victory in the AAI Woodie's DIY Juvenile Even Ages Cross Country Championships at The Curragh on Sunday afternoon.

Competing in the under 18 age bracket his national impact remains strong and he once again had the Belfast athlete Andrew Gourley for company. But Ian had matters in control as the rush for the line began.

No such luck for his squad as they failed to medal and should be most disappointed but life will have to move on and therein lies the challenge.

Earlier in the day the under 14 boys took medals in a close fought battle led out by Mark Bonner, 4th, an excellent return and with Dean Bonner, Eoghain Bonner and Justin Browne supporting.

It read Letterkenny 102, Limerick 113, Valley 147, with Valley getting in ahead of Clonmel to get the medals.

The other positive story was the impact of the under 18 girls their reward bronze medal the result reads Celtic 67, Ferrybank 77, and Valley 126 ahead of Galway City.

Led by Breda Mc Ginty continuing to improve in 6th, then Shauna Guthrie 15th, Ailish Patton 43rd and Clara Dunnion 62nd.

Well done coach Mark Connolly and Patsy Doherty who looks after the 14 boys.

Rebecca Ward came really strong in the 14 girls got up to 7th but while that was noteworthy she must get involved in the early race when her age group event comes round in Dungarvan, right from the off. County medals for two of the U12 age girls, Blaithnaid Patton and Olivia Roe, but the girls lost out on the medals; they did not respond well as a group but the belief in the quality of this squad is serious. No doubt Anne Murphy and Rosemary Mc Dermott who put in such an effort will be rewarded in the future with a more real performance as the girls improve.

That story read Cranford top of the pile and congratulations to them and Letterkenny winners of 14 boys title.

The senior men county team with Kieran Carlin on board secured bronze behind Dublin and Antrim continuing a great record over the years of medalling in this event the scoring team Murray, Mc Kinney, Crossan, Brennan, King and of course Carlin. The absolute highlight an individual victory for Gary Murray from Stranorlar. This weekend a north-west coaching session at the Centre on Sunday morning invitation only 10-30 with normal club training going ahead that day as per usual.

There is an under 9/11 Sportshall county competition at Valley Dec. 11th; registration from 6pm to start 6-30. To prepare for this the club will have a competition for members Dec 4th training ongoing each night now.

Athletes born 92-95 should now sort their entry for Ulster AAI indoor and money is due from athletes travelling to Algarve to train Jan 3rd.

Results.

Results on AAI website.