The Community Games Relay and Cross Country All Ireland Championships were held last weekend in Mosney, Co. Meath. In the relay competition Enda Doherty, Brian Patton, Maurice Boyle along with Letterkenny's Neil Gibbons made up the Donegal team which finished 2nd, winning their first ever Community Games All Ireland medal. This was a great achievement by the young Donegal boys who were under the coaching of Patsy Doherty. Patsy who has been coaching these boys over the past few months can be pround of this result and a bright future is anticipated for these young lads.

Primary Schools Regional Championships

Finn Valley AC had a busy week last week when they held their regional primary schools finals at the centre.

The competition was held over Tuesday and Wednesday with between 750 - 800 young children competing for their place in the county finals to be held also at the center on Thursday 6th June. Over 26 primary schools were invited to the championships and 20 responded. Patsy McGonagle chairman of the club who was the mastermind of these championships said "I am delighted with the numbers involved. Some great talent was shown over the two days but I long for the day when all schools across the county would take part, giving all children in every corner of Donegal the opportunity to compete". The schools who attended over the two days were St Mary's Stranorlar, Murlog, Lifford, Clady, Cloughfin, Castlefinn, Donaghmore, Glencovitt, Dromore, Gleneely, Cranford, Sessiaghoneill, Dooish, Raphoe Central, Welchtown, Aghyaran, Taobhog, Drumkeen and Convoy (St Bridgets and Convoy Central).

The club wish to thank all who helped over the two days. The help given by the students of Stranorlar Vocational Schools was greatly appreciated and the club acknowledges Frank Dooley Principal of the school for allowing the students to attend. The club also thanks,Frank and Christine Feely, Eugene Drumm, Patsy McGonagle, Bridgeen Doherty, Thomas McElcar, Anne Murphy, Celine Friel, Peadar McGranaghan, Neil Martin, Maura Reid, Maureen Doherty and Patsy McGinley for their time and help.

Everyone now looks forward to the 6th of June when the County Final will take place. A large number of competitors is expected and anyone who can please keep this day free to give a helping hand, as a lot of work is involved and the more help available will make the event run smoothly.

Also last Thursday the "Ulster School District" track and field championships for secondary schools were held in Derry. Finn Valley had a number of fine performances. Michael Reid son of Bosco Reid was 1st in the Shot (39.31) and Discos (34.90), Laura Chambers 1st Shot (8.37) and 2nd Javelin (22.32), Grainne Nangle 1st Hurdles, Kevin Feely 1st Shot and 2nd Hammer, Matthew Larkin 2nd Long Jump, Joe McGinley 3rd 200m, Kylie Quinn 3rd Long Jump, Ciara Masterson 3rd Shot and Paul McGrath 3rd Hurdles. All the above along with Nikki Alcorn, Charlene Kelly, Darren Kennedy, Damien Gallagher and Barry McGill go through to the Ulster Finals to be held in Antrim on Friday 24th May. Best of luck to all involved.

The club wish to congratulate Bridget McGlynn on her 3rd placing in the National Marathon in Belfast earlier this month. Bridget was 3rd veteran in a time of 3.33. This is Bridget's first every All Ireland's individual medal. Well done Bridget.

AAI Games Last weekend at the AAI Games held in Kilkenny. A number of Valley athletes competed. Yvonne Cassin (wife of Jeff Cassin) competed in the 10K walk finishing in a time of 52.00. Catriona McGranaghan raced in 3000m finishing 3rd in 9.55 and Kieran Carlin also raced in 3000m in a time of 8.52.

Sportsworld 5 Mile

In the Sportsworld 5 mile Mark Connolly was Valley's lead runner finishing 4th veteran in a time of 27.18. Bernard McCabe (28.40) and Jim Hynes (33.00) Finn Valley finishing 4th team overall. Margaret Synott making her come back finished in a time of 32.50.

This week James Gibbons and Anne McGill head to Italy to compete in the World Masters Athletics Championships Non-Stadia. Both will be competing in the 10K race walk. The club wish them the best of luck.