Finn Valley's Veteran athletes had great success in Ballymena last Saturday when they competed on Irish teams in the International cross-country championships. Three of our athletes, Noeleen Porter, Dominick Bonner and James McMahon each were the lead Irish runner on their team.

Noeleen Porter wins over-35 Section

Noeleen Porter had a fine performance in the O35 category by winner her section and lead her team home to silver medals behind England. Noeleen has been competing well all year and is continuing her success into the cross-country. This race should give her great encouragement as she heads off to Cork this weekend to compete for Donegal in the Inter-counties cross-country championships.

Men's race

Dominick Bonner the Gweedore man also made is mark as been the lead Irish man home in the O 40 section. Dominick had a fine run finishing 7th overall and 6th in the O 40 category. He lead the Irish team home to silver medals behind England. James McMahon who finished 13th was also part of the O40 team. Pat McElroy who competed on the Northern team finished 22nd and the team finished 4th.

Seamus Kerr also lead the Irish team home to bronze medals in the O45 section. Seamus was leading the race to the half way stage when he pulled his calf muscle and battled bravely to finish 8th .

Jim Hynes competed in the open race which was run in conjunction with the international race finished 2nd in the O 60 category.

It is great to see our athletes making should a big contribution to the Irish teams which competed and congratulations to all. Also to Neil Martin and Mark Connolly who travelled with the athletes.

All Ireland Juvenile and Senior Inter-County Championships

This weekend is now approaching fast and is one that all eyes will be focused on Donoughmore Co. Cork who are hosting day one of the All Ireland Juvenile Cross-Country championships (Unevenaged) along with All Ireland Inter-County Cross-Country championships. Over 80 juvenile, senior and coaches will be leaving Finn Valley center on Saturday morning at 9am sharp to travel to Blarney where the team will be stating over night and then head to Donoughmore on Sunday morning. This is the day now that counts and Valley's spirit is high. Our juveniles have come out of Ulster as best club and will be looking to improve on their National position this year. In the senior team out athletes will be aiming to score on their county team which has had a fantastic record over the years as can be seen below.

Best of success to all in Cork.

Click here for a record of Donegal successes in the men's Inter-counties event.

Click here for a record of Donegal successes in the women's Inter-counties event.