Success in England and Poland for Valley Athletes.

Finn Valley athletes took part in various events over the weekend.  Top
of the list has to be Kieran McConnell second in the British
championships in the shot at 16.44m a personal best.  This is a really
strong performance and close to world championship qualifying at u-20
level.

The event held at Bedford puts him at second ranking in Britain and
Ireland with 6kg. shot.
 
In Loznan, Poland mid week Dominic Bonner was a medallist at the
European Masters track championships O-45 over l0K.  The Gweedore
athlete has contributed handsomely to Valley teams in recent years and
individually has impacted strongly at national level being a consistent
member of the Irish Masters cross-country team.  Well done Dominic.
 
The highlight of the domestic athletes track and field season the
senior track and field went ahead over the weekend in Santry with Brian
O'Domhnaill recording a personal best 10K. to finish 4th just out of
the medals but encouraged by his continuing good form 48.45 his time
while Brian Doyle returned 47.24 for 400m. also a P.B. 4th in 400m.
which earned him an invitation to join the Irish 4X4 squad at European
championships in Gothenburg, this is a real lifetime best for Brian
formerly a 200m. athlete whose P.B. is 21.20.

The following athletes have been included on the Ulster Celtic team due
for August 12th in Waterford.  They are Ian Ward 1500m., Fionnula
Bruton Walk., Laura Feeley Shot., Michael Penrose Walk., Paul Doherty
Hurdles., Aoife Wehlan Walk. Also on international duty shortly is
Bernie Alcorn who will manage the Irish junior team in Beijing for the
world juniors; this is a massive vote of confidence in the Valley
coach. Neil Martin is to manage the Irish group at the World Half
Marathon in Debrechen in the autumm. Then Christine Feeley will be on
coaching duty with the Celtic team. And last but not least, Patsy
McGonagle is senior manager for the Europeans at Gotenborg August
7th-13.  Never a dull moment but deserved recognition for our athletic
leaders.

In the ongoing 5K series Kieran Carlin and Clodagh McCool continue to
lead the way.  Indeed Clodagh had a go at the national 1500 and Brendan
Alexander cleared 3M. once again in the pole vault.  All the 5K results
are on www.finnvalleyac.com; thanks to Brendan McDaid for providing
those results.