Valley's Mark Connolly, James Gibbons and Jim Hynes will be returning from Potstam this week after competing at the world veteran championships in Germany. Mark competed in the 5000m earlier this week and had a good race finishing 19th in a time of 17.11.48. James competed in 5000m walk finishing 5th. James also competed in the 20k walk. Full results to be given next week.

Brockagh 4 miles

Donegal Grand prix series continued last week, and Lamas Fair in Brockagh was the venue for the 4-mile race. The festival was opened by club chairman and Donegal Person of the Year Patsy McGonagle. The race was a great success with over eighty finishers, one of the largest numbers for the grand prix this season to date.

Valley's Kevin Holian was the first senior male finisher and continues to make strong improvements as the grand prix season continues. It is good to see Kevin making a come back as the Cross Country season approaches.

Noeleen Porter was Valley's first lady and ran one of her best Cuisine de France race ever.. Margaret Synott was 2nd lady and improving all the time. Margaret has now returned to training and doing 50 miles a week. Again it is encouraging to see Margaret getting back into fitness as the cross-country season approaches. It is interesting to note that Margaret still holds the record as been the top Irish finisher in the Word Junior Cross Country which was held in Norway many years ago. Pat Hegarty, Patsy Doherty, Nancy McNamee, Margaret and Anthony Murray all received category prizes. Well done to all.

This race was organised by club members Neil and Martin Martin and both must be congratulated on the success of the race. The club was also delighted to see Eunan Quinn who watched the race. Eunan is home from America at present on holiday but hopes to return to Ireland to live shortly.

Clodagh travels around the world

The club wish Clodagh McCool and her boy friend bon voyage as they leave to travel around the world for 12 months. Clodagh was a great ambassador for the club and will be missed by all, however the club wish them both a save and enjoyable journey and await their return in 12 months.

Club Committee Meeting

A club committee meeting will be held at the centre on Thursday 29th August at 8pm sharp. The committee will discuss arrangements for a parents and juvenile function to be held in the near future. Committee will also discuss arrangements for a function to honour club member Kay Byrne on her achievement of winning 10 National Team Gold Championship All Ireland Cross Country medals. Club will also be announcing their Winter Activities Programme which will include, athletics, soccer skills, Indoor football, outdoor synthetic pitch, Irish dancing, Set dancing and children's art classes etc.

Training

Training recommences for juveniles on Tuesday 2nd September when schools reopen. It is important that all juveniles return on this date. Finn Valley will now be focusing on their training on cross-country and indoor championships and all coaches and athletes are looking forward to the challenge of a new season.