Last weekend the AAI Track and Field National Championships were held at Morton Stadium in excellent weather conditions. This was a championship with plenty of excitement with world records broken, and qualifying standards obtained for the European Championships to be held in Munich in August.

The first race of the day was the women's 5000m walk, and Valley's Yvonne Cassin had an excellent walk finishing 3rd in a seasons best time of 24.30 and gaining a bronze individual medal. Yvonne was in a top class field where Ireland's Super Race Walker Gillian O Sullivan retained her National Title in 20.02.60 and broke the world record previously set by Sacby-Junna of Australia. Yvonne is making a steady progress as she returns to race walking circuit. Well-done Yvonne

In the 10,000m Men's race walks Valley had Yvonne's husband Jeff and James Gibbons compete. Jeff finished 4th in a personal best time of 44.34. James Gibbons who used this race as preparation for the European Masters Championships to be held in Germany finished 5th. Again this was another class race with Ireland's Robbie Heffernan retaining his National Title in 38.47.66 knocking more that 10 seconds off his old Irish record time.

Valley's Bosco Reid who is preparing for up-coming British and National Masters championships finished 8th in the Shot Putt. Catriona McGranaghan competed in 1500m finishing 5th. Jerome Brooks competed in 5000m finishing 6th. Kieran Carlin also competed in this event.

Finn Valley wish to congratulate Geraldine Stewart of Tir Conaill who won National Title in the Shot Putt.

Top Performance of Irish Athletes

As stated already Gillian O Sullivan's had a majestic performance in 5000m walk gaining herself a World Record.

Terry McHugh whose parents hail from Glenties won his 19th successive javelin gold medal, a world record achievement.

Sonia O Sullivan proved she is back to her top form by winning the 800m in style, and as Patsy McGonagle described made the unbelievable return to the track 20 minutes later to get a championships best performance in the 5000m, and a qualifying time for the European Championships to be held Munich where Patsy is Irish Team Manager. The race for all to watch out for is the 10,000m on the 6th August.

An International Grand Prix will take place in Santry next Friday night. Athletes from South Africa, Australia and Europe will be competing. Patsy McGonagle will be manager of the Irish athletes for this event.

AAI Juvenile Track and Field Championships

Finn Valley have now two busy weekends as the AAI juvenile track and field championships get under way in Tullamore over the next two weekends.

This weekend Valley have a total of 39 athletes competing. Team managers are Seamus McGranaghan, Eibhlin Crampsie, Bernie Alcorn and Christine Feely. The club wish to thank their coaches for giving their time and wishes everyone the best of luck.

Donegal Grand Prix Series

The Churchill 5K takes place next Friday night at 7.30pm