Good results for Valley in Sligo

Juvenile Events

The day began positively on Sunday at Sligo for Valley as Rebecca Ward produced a capable confident performance to win the U11 individual national title, a family trait as Ian and older brother Simon now a corporal in the Irish army recently returned from U.N. duty in Liberia have continued to impact at national level in recent years.

The boys U11 saw a strong performance from Oisin Merritt which gained him a silver for Ulster.

The U13 boys are one of the most talented groups currently at the club, they are all under 12 so Athlone will engage them as they pursue gold team medals. On this occasion they were 4th team with Mark Bonner's excellent lead run. Pauric McLaughlin continues his improvement and was 4th Donegal lad over the line.

In the u17 girls section Breda McGinty started well but let everybody catch her then chased back to 7th being the lead Ulster athlete in the process. She must chase that international spot next day meaning being in the top 6. Breda got a regional medal as did Maeve Culhane continuing to show great guts as did Shauna Gutherie.

In the boys U17 led by Ian Ward the lads out of age group chased it with every ounce but it did not happen as they finished 4th team taking nothing away from them these lads can have a realistic go at U16 team title, although ferrybank, Waterford will provide a tough hurdle. Pleasing runs from Ian, Aidan, a classic determined approach throughout, Shane and an improving Darren with Ryan injured.

Enda Doherty was pleased with his U19 run and he is hard to please at the best of times. He demands the best for himself.

Senior Men

The senior men's scene saw medals for Donegal men in 3rd with Dominic Bonner and Kieran Carlin on board while the senior women were 2nd behind Dublin.

Senior Women

The Donegal women have won this title 4 times in their history but they were off the pace here. Noreen Porter, Catriona McGranaghan and Clodagh McCool were on board the scoring team here. The latter two need to improve in months ahead to emerge from a team capable of winning nationals.

Hurdles Clinic

A hurdles clinic held in the Abbey V.S. on saturday was again a positive learning experience, while the travelling group to Portugal in february is now complete and arrangements under control.

Letterkenny Race

This weekend Letterkenny stage a 5k at 11.15am. All welcome.

Club Annual Dinner

The club annual dinner is on December 16th. Names of those attending please post your names on the board at the club.There will also be a childrens christmas party on December 15th.

Boxing day race

The annual Boxing day 5k jog, race, walk is again planned for the festive period. We are anxious to attract in excess of 100 on this occassion. It will have a 2pm start.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Gary Murray on selection for the European cross-country and Sunday's victory.

Finally well done Mark English, winner of the U13 boys title on Sunday. The English family from Letterkenny have contributed immensely to Donegal athletics over many years.

Newsletters by Niall McGonagle, Club P.R.O.