National Novice & Juvenile Cross Country, Ballyhaise, Co Cavan
Ian Ward once again showed his true class in the National U19 cross country in Ballyhaise Co Cavan. On a cold frosty December Day Ian once again battled the softening under foot conditions, the 6000m was another tough ask with the rolling Cavan hills it was going to tough, at 2km a group of 6 had broke away headed by Ward also in the group was Christopher Johnson from Letterkenny. Further back Darren Mc Glinchey had a great start but faded as the race progressed, also on Darren's heels was Shane Boner and Pauric Mc Laughlin both also fading in the later stages of the race, some hard sustained training in the next two months will leave the lads in better shape for the National Juniors in Santry. Mean while back at the Front Ian had mist the Break two Ferry Bank athletes Hogan & Flynn made a bold bid for home luckily Ian was alert knowing there was another lap to go the challenge was still alive. At the 5km mark Ian had caught and past Hogan, with Flynn still on his shoulder we had a battle, coming over the brow of the hill for the final 400m both athletes side by side the question was who wanted it most? Renowned for his speed in the closing stages Ian would capture another National Title. The team narrowly missing out in gold medals just beaten by Clonliffe 58pts and St Malachy's 61pts Finn Valley 70pts. This group of young talented lads will now go away and up the antae over the Christmas period, with some serious consistent training they will look forward to the National Juniors in Santry, an exciting prospect.
Earlier Mark Boner U15 boys showed good form getting back to the Mark of old, for the first time this year Mark took the race by the scruff of the neck getting to the front and pushing the pace. The ever-talented Dean Boner also in the top 18 with 500m to go. Dean with his stylish posture and stride was not finished, 200m to go Dean came through the field having the self-belief and speed he would finish in a very creditable 9th position. Backing up the two lads were Justin Browne 40th and Eoin Bonar 50th both lads know they are capable of finishing in the top 25 this in turn would have left them in the shake up for Gold. The Valley team finishing 3rd whist the Donegal team won which included Ruairi Finnegan 5th and John Gibbons 23rd.
In the younger age groups the outstanding run came from Shannon Mc Laughlin. The Convoy Lass who tends to show her hand in the National once again proved this to be true. Getting out at the start Shannon maintained her top 20 position eventually coming through to grab a very impressive 15th place. Further back in the field three equally talented girls will be disappointed with their runs, Oliva, Blathnaid and Shauna finishing in the 60's. In the U11 girls Leanne Kelly also performed well finishing 17th as did her older brother Georgie 29th in the U13 Boys,
The National Novice also incorporated in the day had great numbers in both races, in the ladies Cleona Dunn running in her first National Championships had a gallant run finishing 16th Cleona will be delighted, only in the sport a few years she to like Teresa Mc Gloin has made great strides under the coaching of Mark Connolly. Gloria Donaghey finishing in the 70's will be happy with her run. In the men's Darren Stewart and Michael Penrose ran for both Club and county.
To sum up, a better day for Finn Valley athletes after a very disappointing Nationals in Tramore the Club got some reward with Ian winning and Mark Boner 2nd Two Club team Bronze and numerous County and Provincial medals. To the parents who took time out and travelled to Ballyhaise thank you. To the coaches once again thank you.
Looking forward to next week, Ian Ward will travel with Patsy Mc Gonagle team Manager to Brussels in the European Cross Country. Good luck to Ian.
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