Busy Time For Valley Athletes

It's traditionally a busy period for our young athletes as the track and field season kicks in. The year 2006 is no different with schools and club activity. Last week saw some 35 club athletes qualify through their respective district championships for Ulster schools finals in Antrim at the end of the month while the county U-14 to 19 championships were held at the Finn Valley Centre on Sunday.

Pride of place goes to Ian Ward (3K) with many other names popping up victorious e.g. Ciera Gallen, Shareen McCrudden, Christopher Gallagher and Clive Heapes in the javelin, in addition to Matthew Kelly who had a narrow escape 32-55 to Cormac Gallen 32-28. In the 800 races Karen Ferguson continued to drive out a victory as did Ailish Patton. In the walks Aoife Whelan and Clara Dunnion picked up medals while Paul Doherty went under to Christopher Britton, John Bosco in a competitive 100m. Thanks are due to all volunteers who helped officiate but a question remains for the County Board going forward how best to approach this age group who tend to be overburdened with competition of an unexciting nature at 'this time'. The answer may be to emphasize the schools aspect at this time of year and totally support the Donegal schools which has lost some of its sparkle since its inception in l970 at the Royal and Prior in what was a girls only competition on that particular day.

Kieran Carlin stepped out of the car and into the Ballyshannon 5K on Friday night winning in a time of 15.13 while Teresa McGloin continues to improve recording 17.58 a new P.B.

A busy week ahead as Valley hosts the Donegal Vocational schools athletics on May l6th, with the local area primary school athletics on May 17th and 19th and the Special Olympics on May l8th. As always any adults that can help would be very much appreciated.

Welcome to new member Brian O'Domhnaill recently 2nd in the national 20K who makes his debut for the club in Leamington shortly.

Entry forms for various Ulster events can be picked up at the club reception and a reminder that club tracksuits, wet tops and vests available ongoing from same source

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