Valley at Dublin City Marathon and National Marathon Championships

A small number of Finn Valley athletes took in the 27th annual Dublin
City event with varying degrees of success. Suffice to say all finished
and overcame the unique challenge that is the marathon event.  Weather
conditions were ideal with Dominic Bonner 2.44; Pat Hegarty 2.50; John
McGlinchey 2.57; Drew Doherty 3.02 just failing to get in side the
magical 3 hour mark, Bernard McCabe 3.03; Kay Byrne who got it tough
from 16 miles in 3.20; Nancy McNamee 3.59; Paddy Bond 4.07; Gloria
Donaghy 4.14.  It is thought that both the masters teams finished
3rd.  So it's back to basics once again in the coming weeks as the
challenge switches to cross-country.  Well done to all concerned; the
club records remain intact to Jonathan Campbell 2.31.52 from 1991 and
Noreen Martin 3.06.42 from 1987. While the high point for the event was
some 20 years ago it was encouraging to witness some 10,000 plus on
this occassion.  Well done to Letterkenny A.C. members who had a
particularly successful return from the day.

Good news from England where John Creane won a half marathon in 72
minutes in Folkstone. This Saturday it's an early start for Ballyclare
for the Ulster 10-18 age groups, 8 a.m. from the Club Centre travelling
via Letterkenny Dry Arch and Bridgend into Derry etc.

Next club meeting is on Thursday November 9th at 8.45 p.m.