A Busy Week at Finn Valley

The past week was a busy one for Finn Valley A.C.; first we had over
1000 children competing over a two day period under the excellent local
organisation; second, we had the Donegal Novice and uneven age
championships in Killybegs; this was blessed with a beautiful day; and
finally we had the A.G.M. on Monday night.

School's Championships

The schools has been adequately covered in the local media to whom we
are grateful.  

Donegal Novice and Uneven Age Championships at Killybegs

Highlights at Killybegs were: Sharon Thompson winning the women's
novice; Maeve Culhane u-19 girls; Breda McGinty and Ian Ward u-17 age
group; a gutsy men's novice squad making that extra effort to score 33
points to Letterkennys 18 points. Then we had good runs from Mark
Bonner, Georgie Kelly, Eoghan Bonner and Shauna Guthrie and Emily Roe. 
The Ulster championships in this age group will be held in Killybegs as
well, with the even ages in Ballyclare.  Details on www.finnvalleyac.com.

Annual General Meeting

The 35th A.G.M. was a businesslike meeting with the only executive
changes in the manner of a shuffle all being returned with a resounding
vote of confidence.  

Elected Officers

President: Patsy McGinley, Ballylast.

Chairman: Patsy McGonagle.

Secretary: Noreen Bonner, Drumboe Lower.

Assistant secretary: Bridgeen Doherty, Lurgybrack.

Joint treasurers: Kieran O,Donnell and Neil Martin.

Senior competition secretary: Kieran Carlin; 

Youth competition secretary: Bernie Alcorn Letterkenny.

Registrar: Rosaleen McGonagle.

Records officer: Mark Connolly, Aghyaran.

P.R.O.: Niall McGonagle.

Children's Officer: Rosemary Connolly, Aghyaran.

Committee: Sean Carlin; Pat McCrudden; Christine Feeley; Brid
McMenamin; Maureen Doherty; Eugene Drumm; Peader McGranaghan; Gerard
Doherty; Brendan Patton; Catriona Devine; George Gallen; Michael Kelly;
Patsy Doherty; Conor McGonagle; Paul Doherty; Grace Boyle; Tony
Gallagher.

The meeting focussed on the successes of 2005/06, the family atmosphere
at the club plus the completion of three projects at a cost of 300,000
Euro. Plans for the future were described and thanks expressed to the
50 to 60 adults that maintain the daily momentum.  The annual Boxing
Day 5K will have H.O.P.E. and Fr. Kevin O'Hara's project in Nigeria as
the beneficaries.

In Sympathy

It was with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Jackie
McGlinchey aged 66 earlier this week. Although he was unwell for some
time it came as a great shock to his wife Kathleen and the entire
family circle.  We have many happy memories of Jackie. Of journies
together throughout Ireland and abroad whether to compete himself or
support his family and the club. Practically all the family wore the
Valley colours with distinction, a tradition currently being carried by
his grandson Darren. We remember him not so long ago at the World
cross-country championships in St. Etienne, France, and he marvelled as
we all did about the great East African athletes.  We have memories of
preparing courses for competition and of celebrations afterwards; with
Jackie it was always guaranteed to be good craic. We have an especially
fond memory of a Sunday in Killeigh, Co. Offaly when four of his boys
were on successful national winning teams; John was so proud of this,
and of John who led Donegal to a medal winning performance in Cavan. 
He will never be forgotten by those of us who shared his athletic
journey.  To his wife Kathleen and family we extend our sincere
sympathy.  May he rest in peace.