Sunday was another triumphant days competition for Valley's senior and veteran athletes as they retained all Donegal Team titles and had two individual titles in the senior ladies and veteran men's competition. The day was perfect for cross-country running. Finn Valley went into the race with some of their team members absent due to racing abroad and injury, but this did not hinder the spirit of the guys and girls in blue and white.

Click here for some pictures.

Veteran Men

The first race of the day was the Veteran Men, and Valley were entering the race as National Team Champions. However today some of the team entered the senior men's race and Valley had some returned sons to the veteran scene. The race got off to a good start for Valley with Bernard McCabe and Anthony Murray taking the lead from the start. Anthony Murray finished 2nd individual and lead his team home to victory. Anthony was supported strongly by Bernard McCabe 3rd his first ever individual veteran Donegal championship medal. Drew Doherty had a strong battle scoring 5th and all were delighted to see the return of Eddie McMenamin to the racing scene. Eddie was a strong competitor some years ago and scored on many a Valley team, but has been in America for a number of years. Eddie now returned with his family and living in Letterkenny is back on the Valley team finishing 11th. James Gibbon better known in the Race Walking scene and using cross-country as part of his training for the winter season had a strong race and battled well finishing 12th scoring on the veteran winning team and proved he can run in the mud and water just as good as he can walk on the roads. Pat McCrudden finished 16th and Michael Kelly 17th. Finn Valley winning team title on 21 points from Letterkenny 29 and Cranford 35.

Senior and Veteran Women

The Senior and Veteran Women's race was next to kick off and like the veteran men both teams wanted to retain their Donegal title. The senior ladies were also entering the race as National Team Title holder. This was a strong team and individual performance with Valley winning 1, 2 and 3rd individual places. Margaret Synott was the first lady across the line and led her team home to victory. Margaret has been absent from competitive running for the past four years and has been making a great come back over the summer month improving steadily with every race. Today Margaret was fresh and hungry and good to see her getting back into form as the cross-country season opens. Margaret was well supported by team member Catriona McGranaghan who was 2nd over all and also making good progress as the cross-country season begins. Maeve McElroy was Valley's next scorer in 7th position and Noreen McConigley of Fanad who competed in the Dublin City Marathon last week was next scorer in 8th position and Mary Bond 9th. Valley winning team title from Letterkenny and Tirconall.

In the Veteran ladies section Noeleen Porter who has been going brilliantly all year on Road and track continued her success finishing 1st individual and lead her team home to victory. Noeleen was strongly supported by Kay Byrne just returning to training finishing in 6th position, Nancy McNamee who always give it all finished 8th, Margaret Murray wife of Anthony finished 9th and Mary Martin 11th making up the winning Finn Valley team. Great credit must go to all, but especially Mary Martin who is battling with injury etc and still fights on and lines out to compete no matter what the circumstances prevail. Valley winning team from Letterkenny and Cranford.

Senior Men

The final race of the day was the senior men's and Valley were hungry and competent of a positive outcome. Valley's Ballyare flyer Kevin Holian was their lead scorer finisher 3rd position and as he did recently in Gerry Farnan Race lead Valley home to retain their Donegal Team C-C Title. Kevin was strongly supported by Dominick Bonner of Gweedore 5th Simon Ward who was recently part of the Irish Army team which won the European Army C-C. finished 6th position and returning nicely to the competitive scene. Seamus Kerr who is part of the strong veteran team did the work today for the seniors finishing in a strong 8th position. Kieran Carlin who has been out of training for the last number of weeks due to injury finished 8th. Mark Connolly as always showed his grit finishing 11th with Conal McBride 12 and Michael Pemrose 23rd. Valley winning team title on 43 points from Letterkenny 66 and Cranford 122. A great team effort by all.

Finn Valley were happy today with their team performances and the future looks positive and bright for the club. Jerome Brooks, Mark Morgan, Joe Byrne (who ran last weekend in the British 6 stage road relay championships in Swanea), John Creane (who ran for London Irish in 6 Stage Road race) have all to return to the squad.

Ulster Juvenile and War Memorial

Mark Connolly who is showing commendable leadership qualities in the club will lead the Finn Valley squad next weekend to compete the War Memorial cross-country. The race will be held along with the Ulster Even Ages C-C championships and the venue is Kingscourt Co. Cavan. Juvenile team from U10-U18 as well as senior men and women teams will be travelling. The competition starts and 12noon and bus leaves Finn Valley centre at 8am sharp and travelling via Lifford. The cost of bus and entry is 8010. All athletes are asked to wear their Finn Valley tops. Best of luck to all involved.

Valley have 80 juvenile athletes travelling to compete in all Ireland Cross-Country championships to be held in Donaghmore, Co. Cork 24th November. A letter is to issue to all parents this week. The cost of the weekend is 8050 to cover accommodation and travel. Concession for families with more than one child involved.

Valley Athletes Confirmed on Irish Team

A number of our Veteran athletes have been selected on the Irish team to compete in British /Irish cross-country international to be held in Ballymena on the 16th November. Athletes selected are James McMahon, Dominick Bonner, Seamus Kerr, Anthony Murray and Noeleen Porter. Jim Hynes is selected as reserve and Pat McElroy is selected on the Northern Ireland team. The days events is as follows.

11am Photo Call, 12.45 Ladies Race, 1.30 Men's race, 2.30 open senior men and women's 6k race.

Best of luck to all involved.

Patsy McGonagle and Neil Martin again on International Duty

Once again the names of Patsy McGonagle and Neil Martin appear for international duties.

Patsy McGonagle has been selected as Irish Team Manager for the European Cup to be held next year in Aarhus, Demark.

Neil Martin has been selected as Irish Manager for the U23 European championships to be held in Poland. Well done to both Patsy and Neil and I am sure we will hear more of them later.

Youth Games

Details are to be confirmed shortly of a juvenile trip to the Youth Games to be held in Malta during Easter 2003. Arrangement are been made at the moment and depending on costs etc invitations will issue to athletes.

Finn Valley wish to Congratulations to Bernie O Callaghan and Eugene Drumm who have been selected as Donegal Council People of the Year.

Valley also wish Bridie Lynch a speedy recovery and hope to see her out and about shortly.

Training continues at the club on Sunday morning at 10.30am. It is important that all seniors, veterans and juveniles attend for training as dates for All Ireland championships are now closing in.

A reminder to all member that club membership is now overdue. If you have not done so please fill in your membership form immediately and give same to Grainne McGowan with full membership fee.

Apologies to Paddy Bond whose marathon time was in Finn Valley note incorrectly. His correct time was 3.25.40.