From Switzerland to Finn Valley with Valley athletes

It was a hectic week at Finn Valley with some 1500 athletes out on various days in schools and county AAI competition. On Sunday the club closed the book with even age championships. Again the rain that brought flooding to the area the previous day cleared to a beautiful day. The club emerged on top as they enter the second day of competition this Sunday at noon on Killybegs with uneven ages on the programme. Winners of titles were Pauric Mc Laughlin, Emily Murphy and Oisin Gallen. Encouraging runs from Ciera Kelly, her best race ever as she vied for the number one spot. Encouraging performance from Aoibheann McHugh as she led a good under 10 team to victory. There were other noteworthy outings but an improvement is required by Ulsters in a few weeks time in UUJ.

In Switzerland five club athletes partook in a 5 nations walk international. Mens 20k Brian ODomhnaill 20th in 101 a seasons best and his Ireland mens team won. Michael Penrose 6th in 5k 28-21, Junior girls Aoife Whelan 6th 30-58, and Paula Friel 7th in same event 32-10. Finally Madeline Penrose under 16 3k 6th in 19-24. Club coach Ann McGill will be encouraged by this outing and the enthusiasm shown. And talking about Ann we wish her a speedy recovery after a recent operation.

In Dublin Mark Connolly had brought his troops and the story evolved as follows -- a tired Teresa McGloin 17-42, Breda McGinty now a student at Maynooth 20-38, Shauna Guthrie now studying at NUIG 21-09, Tara Hegarty 22-58, and Dominic Bonner 15-45.

This week we travel to Fintragh leaving at 10am. While club AGM is on Monday evening and hopefully a good turnout.