Northern Ireland Masters Cross-Country Championships

Valley's Masters men and women travelled to Bangor last Saturday to compete in the Northern Ireland Master's Cross-Country Championships and once again Valley's men did the business of retaining their Northern Ireland team title.

Men's Race

Mark Connolly getting back into top form lead the Valley team home to victory, but as always this was a team effort and the final result went down to the line. Mark finished in 5th spot and was strongly supported by Pat Hegarty who in 6th spot beat a North Belfast man just on the finishing line. Pat McElroy was Valley's third scorer in 12th and Bernard McCabe like Pat beat another North Belfast competitor on the line to finish in 20th place taking the title back to Finn Valley . Finn Valley finished 1st team on 43 points from North Belfast Harriers 44 and New Castle 55. Vital points gained by Pat Hegarty and Bernard McCabe on the finishing line. Jim Hynes also had a good days competition also finishing 1st in the over sixty section.

Ladies Race

Valley's ladies competed with the absence of Noeleen Porter who was unable to compete due to family circumstances. Kay Byrne returning to full form lead the Valley's ladies home in 4th position with Maeve McElroy 8th, Margaret Murray 12th and Mary Martin 13th finishing 2nd team behind Sparta.

Congratulations to all teams and thanks to Neil Martin for taking charge of both teams.

Coaching

The final part of the Level 1 coaching course took place in Donegal town last weekend. Finn Valley had ten of their coaches taking part. Christine Feely, Bridgeen and Patsy Doherty, Bobby Fullerton, Celine Friel, Jamie Lewis, Brendan Patton, Anne Gallagher, Seamus McGranaghan. This will be of great benefit to the club as the coaching structure continues to be developed.

Next Week

All eyes will be focused next weekend on Killybegs where the All Ireland Relay and B cross-country championships take place. Departure times of bus to be given at training. Best of luck to all involved.

In Sympathy

The club extends sympathy to Noeleen and Gerard Porter on the death of Gerard's Mother Rose Porter R.I.P.

Club training continues every Tuesday and Thursday night at 7.30pm and Sunday morning 10.30pm