B Championships at Finnvalley 3rd February 2008.

Valley Host Successful National Championships

Finn Valley hosted the national A.A.I.“B” cross-country championship and inter-county relays on their grounds at Stranorlar on Sunday and despite the atrocious weather leading in to the event, did an excellent job with the help of their reliable loyal officials and A.A.I. officials.

All went according to plan with the club teams kicking in early on in the opening u-11 girls event with Leanne Kelly getting up for an excellent silver team position with Denise McLaughlin, Aoibhinn Mc Hugh, Siobhan o Donnell, Amy Crossan, Emma Boyle all contributing. This was an excellent performance from Leanne, a student at Tooban N.S. where teacher Manus o Donnell is such a positive influence in an entire range of sports activities. The u-11 boys got in ahead of Claremorris 61 against 81 and again this gold medal performance will encourage them no end.

Next up the u-13 girls and the return was silver team behind Glenmore from Co. Louth 52-56 the difference Valley’s lead runner Shauna Finn 9, Shannon Mc Laughlin 10, Kathy De Ward 17 and Caoimhe Mc Menamin 20, the scoring team. The finals medals came in the u-17 section with Michael Penrose getting a place medal and the girls led by Karen Ferguson taking the team award with Niamh Doherty, Madeline Penrose and Rochelle Tourish who certainly deserves the award as she continues to show marvelous dedication to training.

The day ended with the relays both Donegal u-12 teams winning Blaithnaid Patton and Georgie Kelly contributing. In the u-14 girls Rebecca Ward and Ciara Kelly collected bronze and in the u-14 boys Eoighan Bonner a silver after filling in at the last minute due to a few deflections and really gave it all.

And thus the day ended a successful and enjoyable event despite the poor weather and the venue with its excellent indoor facilities complemented the situation superbly.

This weekend the Masters men travel at full strength to compete in Nationals at a Co. Wexford venue. They defend County and Club title so the pressure is on. Best of luck. Entries for the remaining Ulster A.A.I. indoor events underage are now being taken. Details at club reception.