Last weekend Leopardstown was host to the World Cross Country Championships one of the worlds biggest athletics events. A large number of Finn Valley members traveled to support the event and others worked as volunteers on the course. The highlight of the weekend was the success of the Irish women's team winning bronze medals in the short course race. The cheers of delight from the Irish supporters could be heard far and wide e as the team of Sonia O Sullivan, Anne Keenan Buckley, Rosemary Ryan, Maria McCambridge made history on Irish soil taking third spot on the world stage on Irish soil.

The organizers of the event, Sport Ireland World Cross Country are to be sincerely congratulated for the success in the staging of this event and it would be great to see more of such events here on home ground.

Richard Simms and Marion Steininger both members of Finn Valley based in London had a number athletics who are under their management competing in the World Cross Country. One such athlete is Tanzanian, John Yuda who finished 2^nd in Men's 12k event. Finn Valley wish to congratulate Richard and Marion and wish them both continued success in the field of international athletics.

The club was delighted to hear the news this week that Katy McCandless has returned to training. Katy is at present training in Kingston in London. Katy competed in 5000m in the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 and is the present Donegal record holder for 5000m. The club look forward to her competing in the blue and white of Finn Valley shortly.

Finn Valley are holding an coaching course on 20^th April. This is a good opportunity for all aspiring coaching to get along and avail of the course. The club will sponsor this course of all interested members. Names to be given to Patsy McGonagle immediately.

All primary schools please note that the final for Donegal Primary Schools sports will be held on 5^th June.

Training is in full swing for all athletics. Preparations are now for Indoors competitions for juveniles and Road, and track season for senior athletics. Training every Tuesday and Thursday night at 7.30pm and Sunday morning 10.30am.