Juvenile uneven aged cross-country championships were held in Cranford on Sunday in perfect weather and underfoot conditions.

Finn Valley went into the day's competition as leading Donegal club from last Sunday's results at the even aged championships, which were held in Killybegs. Today all focus was on retaining the title over the two days of competition.

The first race of the day was under nine competition and the young competitors had great battling spirit.

Click here for some pictures.

In the girls race Aisling Gallagher was Valley's first competitor finishing in 5th place and she was strongly followed by team mates Clara McDaid 9th, Ciara McGarvey 10th and Naoibh Gallen 14th.

In the U9 boys Dean Bonner had a fine performance finishing 1st with Mark Bonner finishing in a very strong 5th position, followed by Caolin Quinn 7th, Ryan Kelly 8th, Paul Smyth 10th, William McGarvey 12th, and Sean Friel 13th.

In the U11 girls Niamh Doherty was the star of the team finishing 1st and Niamh was strongly supported by team mates Jodie Stewart 6th, Amy Slevin 9th, Ciara Devenney 11th making up the Finn Valley team which finished 2nd behind Milford and Letterkenny 3rd. Other good performances on this team were Emily Murphy 12th, Iden Brennan 13th, Michelle Gallagher 19th, Madeline Pemrose 20th, Grace Ward 24th, Stephine Connolly 30th, Jordan Martin 33rd, Laura Bonner 35th, Michelle Lafferty 36th and Orla Phelan 37th.

U11 boys continued to battle hard for Valley and fought hard for all points with Christopher McBride leading the Valley team finishing 3rd Christopher was well supported by Loughanure lad Gerry Boyle in 5th Mathew Kelly 6th and Andrew Gallagher 10th. Finn Valley won the team title from Letterkenny 2nd and Cranford 3rd. Other good performance from Valley boys were Eamon Quinn 11th, Niall Doherty 16th, Aaron McMenamin 20th, James McCafferty 22nd, Kevin Smyth 28th, Brendan McKelvey 33rd, Kieran Brennan 38th and Mark Doherty 39th.

Breda McGinty of Dooish continued her winning ways in the U13 race taking her 2nd Donegal Title in seven days. Breda was well supported by her team mates Jackie Gibson 5th, Shauna Guthrie 6th and Clara Dunnion 7th. Girls won the team title from Letterkenny2nd and Cranford 3rd. Other good performances on this team were Aoife Wheelan 9th, Fionnuala Linsay 13th, Eilish Patton 14th, Catherine Gallagher 16th, Denise Beirne 17th, Natasha Duffy 19th, Siobhan Gallagher 22nd, Christine O Neill 26th, Mairead McGill 27th, Andria McCafferty 29th, Donna McBride 36th, Paula Friel 38th, Laura McNamee 39th and Laura Feely 41st.

Ian Ward had the race of his life winning the U13 boys title. Ian had great team support from Ryan McDaid 3rd, Aidan Connolly 5th and Lorcan McMenamin 9th. Finn Valley winning the team title from John Bosco 2nd and Letterkenny 3rd. Other strong performances were Pauric McLaughlin 10th, Philip Browne 13th, Dermott Brennan 15th, Carol Bradley 16th, Christopher O Leary 19th, Sean Breen 24th, Gavin Foy 28th, Michael Morris 29th, Paul Doherty 34th and Michael Pemrose 36th.

U15 girls was lead by Valley's Maeve Culhane 6th and was well supported by Aishling Rushe 9th, Fionnula Bruton 12 and Nikki Alcorn. Finn Valley taking 2nd team medals behind Letterkenny and Inishowen 3rd. Other good performances on this team were Laura Reid 16th, Paula Gallagher 18th, Breda Sweeney 21st, Charlene Kelly 23rd and Aine McLaughlin 24th.

In U15 boys Maurice Boyle from Loughanure showed he is coming back in to good form finished 3rd and was well supported by team mates Stephan Connolly 4th, Enda Doherty 7th and Packie Mailey 9th. Finn Valley taking the team title from Letterkenny 2nd and Killybegs 3rd. Other good performances on this team were Kevin Gallagher 10th, Paul Gallagher 11th, Brian Patton 13th, Denis Lindsay 14th and Ronan McCabe 15th

The good result at the end of the day for Valley was that the club retained their title and the trophy was presented to Valley team captain Karen Connolly.

The club wish to thank all team coaches, parents and supporters who helped on the day. The work of all coaches is greatly acknowledged by all. Next Outing, Ulster Novice and Uneven Aged Cross-Country at Comber, Sunday 26th October

The next big outing for juveniles is on Sunday 26th October where the Ulster Novice and Uneven Aged Cross-Country will take place in Comber, Co. Down. Finn Valley will be sending a total of 11 juvenile teams to this event and will be organising two coaches for athletes, parents and supporters. It is important that anyone wishing to travel give their names immediately to the club. All athletes will be travelling by coach to this event.

Loughrea 5 mile International Road Race

Valley's Margaret Synott competed in the Loughrea 5 mile road race at the week. Margaret finished 11th overall in a time of 29.23. This race was won by Ireland's Sonia O Sullivan.

Mark Connolly team captain of the Valley Senior and Veteran men requests all senior and veteran athletes to gather on Thursday night after training for team photos.

Gerry Farnan Cross-Country

Valley have a number of senior and veteran athletes travelling to Dublin next weekend to compete in The Gerry Farnan cross-country race in Phoenix Park. This race is also the trials for the Veteran International to be held in November. Best of luck to all involved.

Odds and Ends

The club was delighted this week to receive e-mail from club member Clodagh McCool. Clodagh and her boyfriend Gary Philbin are travelling around the world. Already both have been to Africa, Hong Kong and at present are in India. It is great to hear from them and all and Finn Valley wish them the best of luck and enjoyment.

Club training continues every Tuesday and Thursday night at 7.30pm, and this Sunday all juveniles will be expected to be at the club for Sunday morning training at 10.30am.

A club meeting will be held on Monday 21st October at 8.30pm.

Silver Wedding Anniversary

The club wish to congratulate Paddy and Mary Bond who celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary recently.