Jeff Cassin has PB at European Race Walking Cup and narrowly misses World Championships B standard

Valley's Jeff Cassin competed in the European Race Walking Cup which was held in Cheboksary in Russia. Jeff competed in the 50k in a personal best time 4.01.01 improving on his previous time by over three minutes and just missing out on the B standard for the World championships to be held in Paris in August. Jeff will have another opportunity to achieve the qualifying time in July at the Dublin Grand Prix which will be held on the 12th July. Well done Jeff and best of luck.

Margaret Synott 2nd in Cavan

Margaret Synott had a very good run in Cavan 10k where she finished 2nd behind Catriona McKieran in a time of 37.15 a personal best for this season also breaking the 38 minute barrier. Good to see Margaret returning to top form. Valley’s Jim Hynes also comped. The race was won by Catriona McKieran who organised the event with Annalee AC and marks her return to competitive running. Everyone is delighted to see her return.

Community Games

Congratulations also to Gerry Boyle who was part of the winning U12 mixed relay cross country team at the Community Games in Mosney. Gerry who hails from Loughanure is a very dedicated young athlete and has great family support. His mother Bridget travels with Gerry and his brother Maurice from Loughanure to Ballybofey for training sessions each week and this result will give the family great encouragement. Finn Valley also wish to congratulate the Donegal Community Games on their overall success at the weekend. Well done to all.

Ulster Schools Regional Finals

Ulster Schools Regional finals took place during the week and Finn Valley athletes performed very well.

Kevin Feely started his season well finishing first in the Shot in the senior boys section. Breda Mc Ginty continued her success by winning the 1500m Junior race. Nikki Alcorn also had a good opening to her track season by finishing 2nd in the 3000m running race and also qualified for the 3000m walk. Emma O Neill 2nd in the 100m Junior race. Joe McGinley back from injury 3rd 200m Intermediate Boys, Mark McGlinchey 3rd 400m hurdles Senior race and Mathew Larkin 3rd in the 110m hurdles intermediate boys. St Columba’s College won the Intermediate boys relay team with Pauric Feely, Joe McGinley, Mathew Larkin and Mark McGlinchey. Maeve Culhane, Fionnuala Bruton and Charlene Kelly also qualified to compete in the 2000m Race Walk. Well done to all and best of luck now in the Ulster Finals.

Primary Schools Sports

Finn Valley area schools finals were held at the club and once again was very successful with between 750 - 800 children competing over the two days of competition. This was a very enjoyable two days of athletics and Finn Valley wish to thank all their members and teachers who helped. However it is disappointing to see some schools in the area not accepting their invitation to compete. This is a great opportunity for young children to get involved in the sport and they miss out big time by not been there. The final now takes place at the center on June 4th 11am and all support available will be welcome.

On Wednesday night the Donegal under 9-10 (born 1994-1995) championships will take place. Event covered will be Long Jump, 60m, ball throw.

Fixture List

A fixture list of all Road, senior and under age athletics for the summer months is now on the Finn Valley Web site http://www.finnvalleyac.com. [Not quite yet, but should be up sometime this week. webmaster.]

The European Masters non stadium road races will be held in Upice in Czech Rep this weekend. A number of Valley athletes are competing among them is Anne Mc Gill (world masters champion), Jim Hynes and Dominick Bonner. Valley wish them all the best of luck.

Club meeting will be held on Thursday 22nd May at 8.30pm.

Training continues every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7.30pm and Sunday at 10.30am