Best in Bangor and Achievement in Athlone

Finn Valley athletes can mark last weekend down as yet another significant milestone.

Ulster Masters Cross-Country Championship

At Castle Park in Bangor in the Ulster Masters Cross-Country Championship the men really gave an indication that they can win the nationals, scoring 4 in the top 13 in a field of 200 starters. They were led home by Kiaran Carlin in 3rd, John McGlinchey with his best run since coming back from a broken leg in 5th, Dominic Bonner 6, and the resilient Mark Connolly the off field captain in 13th with Frank Chaney l5th, Gerard Bogle l6th and Drew Doherty and Bernard McCabe in support.

Well done Neil Martin and squad. At the same venue Kay Byrne finished 3rd in the Masters championship while Teresa McGloin continues to improve finishing 2nd in intermediate race.

National Cross Country Relay Championships

In Athlone Donegal placed their 4 teams in top 6 in each of the cross-country relay races with success coming in U-12 boys where Valley lads the three Bonners, Mark, Eoghan and Dean teamed up with Roy Finnegan L.A.C to collect silver.

This represents strong running from the lads: Mark, Eoghan and Dean as their speed training has been limited. Medals also for U-l5 girls Valley in B championship, silver from 20 teams starting led by Ailish Patton l4th and joined by Amy Slevin, Emily Murphy, Clara Dunnion, Madeline Penrose and Aoife Whelan. Team winners here were Glaslough.

All are delighted for this hard working group and particularly for coaching staff Brendan Patton and Maureen Doherty.

Celtic Cross-country Championships

This weekend Neil Martin leads the Irish team into competition at Celtic cross-country with Ian Ward on the Irish U-l7 team as is Noel Collins, Omagh and Dan King, Milford, best of luck and congratulations to them all and indeed to our U-17 boys and girls teams also in action.

International Duty

While on the international aspect congratulations to Bernie Alcorn on selection as part of coaching staff at next weeks Cardiff indoor international. It's a busy period ahead as 10 athletes fly to Scottish indoors weekend February 4th/5th. Coaches travelling Noreen Bonner, Christine Feeley and Brid McMenamin.

Coaches for 7-9 year old group

Talking of coaches we need to recruit 3/4 additional parents/adults to care for the 7-9 year old athletes. Do you know of anyone?

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