Last weekend the Irish Schools Athletic Championships (track and field) were held in Tullamore Co. Offaly. This is the biggest event of the Irish Schools Athletic Association and a great day of competition was experienced by all. Valley's Barry McGill and Nikki Alcorn both competed for their schools.

Barry McGill a Leaving Cert student representing Gairm Scoil Chu Uladh, Ballinamore had a fine performance in the 3000m senior boys walk finishing 2nd, winning his first ever schools all Ireland medal in a personal best time of 14.34.20

Nikki Alcorn representing Loreto of Letterkenny also had a fine performance in Junior Girls 1200m Walk finishing 6th in a personal best time of 6.26. Congratulations to both Nikki and Barry.

Nikki was also part of the successful Junior girls team of Loreto College, Lettekenny which won the Junior Girls Schools title. Loreto have been very successful this year as they also won the All Ireland Schools Junior Cross Country title earlier this year. Finn Valley wish to congratulate Loreto and all other successes at the championships.

Catriona McGranaghan had a very successful 800m run also last Saturday in Tullamore. The race was part of the Irish Milers club series. Catriona had a personal best time of 2.11 and must now be in serious contention for breaking the club record of 2.09.

Inter Firms Race

Letterkenny held their annual 5k Inter Firms race last Wednesday. Finn Valley had a number of competitors. Kieran Carlin had a fine performance winning the race from Charlie Gallagher. Rosaleen Campbell was 1st lady with Margaret Synott 2nd and Annette Ferry 3rd. Margaret Murray and Mary Martin both won veteran prizes.

Thursday will be a big day at Finn Valley with over 1300 primary school children taking part in 32nd Donegal Primary School County Final. The event was founded by Patsy McGonagle and continues to grow every year. Over 100 primary school have taken part in regional finals and it is expected that this will be the biggest ever final.

Ulster senior Track and Field Championships takes place in Belfast next Saturday. The AAI are now finalising their team for the European Cup to be held in Estonia in a few weeks. Patsy McGonagle will be attending these championships with a few to team selection for worthy performances.

Juvenile Under 8-11 Ulster championships takes place next Sunday at Templemore in Derry. Valley have a large number of athletes competing and best of luck to all.

Finn Valley have a number of job vacancies on their summer job scheme. The vacancies are open to third level students. If interested you should contact Rosaleen McGonagle immediately at 086 2226112.

Valley's Mark Morgan competed in the European Duathlon. Mark is a new comer to this event and finished a very creditable 35th. Mark hopes to improve on this perfomance.

Club training continues at the club every Tuesday and Thursday night and Sunday morning at 10.30am.