From Donaghmore N.S. to the world championships

As the headline suggests the athletics career of Ian Ward of Liscooley, began at Donaghmore National School. He is now a valued member of the Irish cross-country team headed for Edinburgh this Sunday afternoon. There he faces the might of the world and in particular the East African contingent from Ethiopia, Kenya and Eritrea to name but a few of the 80 countries that will be present.

This season which has seen him won the Outstanding Donegal Athlete award. Unfortunately he will have to give that ceremony a miss as it's on Saturday evening while he is in Edinburgh.

Ian qualified at the AAI nationals in Belfast with an exciting run. His career did of course begin at his local school with the Finn Valley area Primary School Sports. Athletics has been his life pretty much every day since.

Having just returned from a weeks training in Alfa Mar in the Algarve on Saturday --- his second stint in Portugal this year --- Ian realises that the world's will be an invaluable experience. But knows he needs a strong performance in the race. This is something he will discuss with his coach from the beginning, Peader Mc Granaghan.

Close to thirty Valley supporters will make the journey to support and cheer him on.

He becomes the second member of his family to run in the World cross-country championships, following his brother Simon who is now a corporal in the Irish army but unfortunately no longer involved in competitive athletics. Simon competed in 1999 as did club members Gary Murray and Helena Crossan. Before that Kay Byrne competed in Budapest and as far back as 1979 Margaret Gallen competed in what was then the international cross-country on that famous day in Limerick when John Treacy won the men's title. Club members Rosemary Harron and Camilla Harron competed in New York and Paris.

All involved locally wish Ian the very best.

No doubt when the local sports come round on May 13-14th there will be other new talented youngsters trying to follow in his footsteps. Best Wishes to Aoife Whelan for a quick return to training after recently getting her tonsils out. Aoife has won numerous national titles.

Next club meeting Tuesday next 8:30.

Entry forms for primary schools athletics went out this week. Further details 0872226112 if required.

Training is in full swing.