Last weekend Finn Valley Senior and Veteran athletes competed in the Fila International Cross Country which was held in Stormont Estate, Belfast and Valley had some fine results. The National Veteran Indoor Championships were held last Saturday in Nenagh and Valley had a number of competitors.

In Stormont Valley's veteran men took the team title. The Gweedore man Dominick Bonner had a great battle leading the race throughout and only to be halted back to second place by Dermott Kerr in the closing stages. The evergreen Pat Hegarty was 3^rd and Anthony Murray 12^th (Anthony won the 050 category and his aim for this season is to win the O50 in the All Ireland Veteran CC on 10^th February)

Bernard McCabe was 28^th. Valley won the team title from North Belfast AC and Willow Field AC.

In the senior women's event Noeleen Porter was 21^st and Catriona McGranaghan 23^rd. Both girls were also on the Irish C team and competed very well. Kay Byrne was 28^th and had a much improved performance which will give her added confidence for the National Veteran Cross Country Championships to be held at Finn Valley on February 10^th.

In the senior men Kieran Carlin was 24^th and Kevin Holian 25^th . Both Kieran and Kevin had a head to head battle and were separated only by two seconds. Barry Harron returned from injury 42^nd and continues to improve. The race was dominated by the Kenyan's who won the team title.

At the Veteran Indoor Championships in Nenagh the Reid brothers continued their winning form. Bosco retained his Shot Putt title. Donal made his Indoor debut by taking the High Jump title. Donal had a busy day as he rushed back to Aghyaran to attend the GAA dinner dance where he trains the senior team. James Gibbon's also made his debut as a veteran in the 3000m Walk finishing 2^nd . Anne McGill was 1^st in the 1500m Walk.

A successful juvenile training session was held on Sunday morning for juveniles. The Club wish to thank all coaches who attended.

Next weekend Finn Valley juveniles compete in National Juvenile B Cross Country Championships to be held at ALSAA. National Relay Cross Country will also be taking place. A total of 50 athletes will be traveling from the club. Bus departure times to be given at training.

Just a note of interest of former club athlete's. Joey O'Leary a former National youth Champion has committed himself to coaching at the club. His help and expertise is very welcome.

Gareth Davidson has recently obtained a doctorate in Physical Education and takes up a post as lecturer in University of Ulster. Gareth is a former Finn Valley Juvenile Champion and was a student at the Royal and Prior in Raphoe. The Club extend good wishes to Gareth.

Patsy McGonagle was delighted to welcome the O Doherty brothers to the club at the weekend. Gerry, Cathal and Kevin formerly of Glencar, Letterkenny were home for a brief visit from England to celebrate their father's 80^th birthday. The O Doherty brothers were royal Valley supporters for many years and still keep in touch with the goings on of the club.

During the week Elibhlin Crampsie organized a Ulster Schools Cross Country Meeting at the center. Despite inclement weather there was a encouraging turnout and the competition was a great success. Congratulations must go to Elibhlin for her work in organizing this event.

The club wish to sympathize with Michael McGill and the McGill family on the death of his father Paddy R.I.P.