Finn Valley held a very successful Annual General Meeting last Monday and large number of members attended.

Patsy McGonagle chairman of the club commented on the very successful year past. The highlights been the juveniles finishing 2nd club in Ireland at cross-country and 6th in the track and field championships. Also finishing top Ulster club in both cross-country and track and field competitions.

The veteran men winning their first every all Ireland National Veteran cross-country title.

The senior women regaining their cross-country team title and making it their 10th all Ireland Title.

Noeleen Porter winning the National 10k senior title, and James Gibbon 2nd in 5K Veteran World Road Walks.

Patsy went on to say the future looked bright for the club. The club has now a strong and positive training routine in place. This year the juveniles won more medals that ever before and this was the results from the commitment and dedication of all team coaches involved. Coaches were thank and praised for their work.

The club Web site was a positive development this year. Jonathon Campbell, Richard Alcorn and Patsy were acknowledged for their work in this development.

All committee members were thanked and praised for their work over the past year. Also thanks was expressed to Fas and Donegal Creameries, Highland radio and local papers for their support throughout the year.

Congratulations was expressed to Patsy McGonagle on been selected as Donegal Person of the Year. Also on this continued work in the club.

Congratulations was also expressed to all coaches who managed or coached Irish teams throughout the year.

New Committee

A new commitee was elected as follows:

Officers

President Patsy McGinley, Chairman Patsy McGonalge, Secretary Maura Reid, Asst Secretary Bridgeen Doherty, Senior comp Secretary Neil Martin, Juv Comp Sec Bernie Alcorn, Registrar Grainne McGowan, Joint Treasurers Kieran O Donnell and Rosaleen McGonagle, P.R.O. Anne McGill, Record Officer Mark Connolly and Children's Officer Rosemary Connolly.

Committee

Christine and Frank Feely, Peadar McGranaghan, Grace Boyle, Maureen and Tony Doherty, Anne Gallagher, Eugen Drumm, Celine Friel, Conor McGonagle, Michael Kelly, Pat McCrudden, Sean Carlin, George Gallen, Brendan Patton, Paul Doherty, Sean McGowan and Kieran Carlin.

Donegal Juveniles and Novice Championships

Killybegs was the venue last Sunday for the Donegal Evenaged and Novice cross-country championships. Weather and under foot conditions were perfect for racing.

The first race of the day was Novice women and Valley ladies were the first medals of the day. Elibhlin Crampsie was third individual and followed by team mates Charlene Rushe and Karen Connolly. The women taking the team title for Valley.

In the men's race John Holian younger brother of Kevin made his debut for Valley finishing 5th overall.

Juveniles

Valley's juveniles had history to live up to and focus was on finishing top club after the days competition.

U10 girls were the first to set off with Madeline Pemrose finishing top scorer for Valley in 4th followed by team mates Rachelle Tourish, her cousin Stephine Connolly and Aine Gallagher. Girls finishing 2nd team behind Letterkenny 1st and Cranford 3rd.

Andrew Gallagher had a fine race in U10 boys finishing 2nd individual, and followed strongly by Niall Doherty, Kieran Brennan (son of Joe Brennan former Finn Valley senior athlete) Ryan Kelly. Boys finishing 2nd team behind Letterkenny 1st and Killybegs 3rd.

In the U12 Clara Dunnion 2nd and Catherine Gallagher 3rd lead their team to victory with the support of Niamh Doherty 4th and Jodie Stewart 5th beating Letterkenny 2nd and Killybegs 3rd.

Pauric McLaughlin was the star in the U12 boys winning the U12 title and leading his team of Lorcan McMenamin, Gavin Carlin and Carol McBride to team victory from Letterkenny 2nd and Killybegs 3rd.

Breda McGinty of Dooish continued her success of last year by winning the U14 girls title in style and with her team mates of Maeae Culhane (U13 Indoor Walks champion this year) 3rd individual, Fionnuala Bruton 5th and Bronagh Doherty took the team title from Letterkenny 2nd and Killybegs 3rd.

Ryan McDaid once again showed his talent. The runner from Muff last year made his own history by winning the U11 cross-country all Ireland title and finished 3rd in the under 12 championships continued his form by winning the U14 title and leading his team once more to victory with his friend Diarmuid Fullerton 3rd, Ian Ward 5th and Shane Bonner 6th.

In the U16 girls Emma O Neill, Nikki Alcorn, Aisling Rushe and Nicola Connolly all competed very well finishing 2nd team behind Letterkenny.

In the U16 boys Stefan Connolly returned from injury and getting back to form lead his team of Maurice Boyle of Loughanure, Enda Doherty and Packie Mailey to take team gold medals. The club also congratulate Stefan and Enda who were part of the U14 St Eunan's team who won the County U14 championships.

The club wish to congratulate all who competed. Particular to all new comers who competed for their for their first time. It was a great days competition for all and everyone enjoyed their trip to the water to relax when all was over.

Thanks to all team managers Bridgeen and Patsy Doherty, Anne Gallagher, Bernie Alcorn, Christine Feely, George Gallen, Maureen Doherty, Brendan Patton, Peadar McGranaghan, Patsy McGonagle, Celine Friel, Noreen Martin and Sam Ward and to anyone who helped in any way. Finn Valley finished on top today and focus is now on next week were the championships continues in Cranford. Good luck to all.

Rathfarnham 5K

Neil Martin had a number of athletes competing in the Rathfarnham 5k on Sunday.

Noeleen Porter continues her success finishing 1st Veteran and 5th Senior lady in a time of 17.09.

Margaret Synott was 10th in a time of 17.42.

In the men's section Kevin Holian was 12 in a time of 15.10. Jim Hynes was 4th in the over 60's in a time of 19.40. Well done to all.

The club wish to congratulate Simon Ward and Pat McElroy on their s run in the An Cosanitor 10k held in Phoneix Park last Wednesday. Simon finished 4th and lead his team of the 28th Battilion ( Damien Quigley, Pat McElroy, Karl Boyce and Mick Hannon )to victory.

Valley's Jeff Cassin to compete for Ireland

The club wishes to congratulate and wish Jeff Cassin the best of luck in the World Race Walking Championships. Jeff has been selected on the Irish team which will be competing in two weeks in Turin in Italy.

The club also wish Kevin Feely a speedy recovery.

Membership Subscriptions Due

Club membership is now due. Members please get membership forms at the reception desk. Forms and monies to be paid to Grainne McGowan club register.

Training continues every Tuesday and Thursday night at 7.30pm and Sunday Morning 10.30pm.