Valley's Dominick Bonner takes bronze at European Masters Championships

A number of Valley athletes travelled to Upice which is situated about 150 kilometers from Prague city in Czech Rep to compete in the 8th European Masters Non-Stadia Championships and Valley's Domick Bonner who hails from Carrickastaskin in Gweedore was the star of the show for Ireland and Finn Valley. A total of fifteen athletes travelled from Ireland to take part in the event.

Dominick Bonner was Ireland's first medal winner on Saturday when he competed in the men's 10k which was ran through Havlovice streets, then along the beautiful wooded countryside which surrounded the town and finished in Upice. Dominick had the race of life finishing 3rd in the over 40 category in a time of 33.52. The race was won by Petronyuk Viktor of the Ukraine in time of 33.10, Moravcik Zdenik of Czech Rep was 2nd in 33.18. This was Dominick's first European competition and what a way to star However Dominick has had a strong and successful season building up to these championships. He was 2nd individual in the Irish National Veteran cross-country and the lead scorer on the Valley team which took the gold award. He was the lead Irish man at the Veteran's International Cross-Country which was held in Stormont earlier this year finishing 6th overall in this race. He was also part of the Finn Valley team which won bronze medals in the National Senior cross-country (short course). A few weeks ago he won the silver medal in the National 10k championships and once again was part of the successful winning Finn Valley team.

Jim Hynes of Ballindrait also competed in the 10k and half marathon. Jim finished 18th in his age category in a time of 42.51 and was also well up in the top 20 in the half marathon. Jim is a great ambassador for the club and has a great positive approach to the sport.

Ann McGill competed in the 20k walk finishing 2nd in age category in a disappointing time of 2.07. This race was won by Natali Marcenco of Italy and third was Halyna Sosunnovych of Ukrain.

Jamie Lewis Fourth in SportsWorld Five-mile

Jamie Lewis had a very good race in the Sports World 5 mile, finishing 4th overall in a time of 24.58. Seamus Power was the winner in a time of 23.47 with Cathal Lombard of Leevale 2nd in a time of 23.51 and Noel Berkeley of DSD third in a time of 24.28.

Ulster Schools Success

Valley's Pauric Feely had an excellent competition in the Ulster schools where he took the gold award in the senior boys shot putt competition. Pauric got a personal best performance with a throw of 13.68.

Nikki Alcorn continues her success finishing 4th in the 3000m run and also getting a personal best time. Nikki also qualified to compete in the 2000m walk in the all Ireland schools final. Charlene Kelly won the Junior girls 1200m walk and Maeve Culhane was 2nd both girls getting through to the all Ireland finals in a few weeks. Also to compete very well was Joe McGinley who made it through to the final of the 200m. Also St Columba’s College finished 5th team with Joe McGinley, Matthew Larkin, Mark Mc Glinichey and Pauric Feely Well done to all. Valley which all competing in the All Irelands in a few weeks the best of luck.

Busy Weekend at Valley Center

Valley had a very busy time over the weekend with various activities taking place. Finn Harps held a very successful soccer training camp with over 120 children taking part last Sunday. The Ulster Tug of War Championships also took place at the center over the weekend. On Sunday the Donegal Referee association held a course. It is good to see the center full of activity.

County Finals of Donegal Primary School Sports

The next big event now been organised by Valley is the Donegal primary school sports which will be held on Wednesday 4th June. This is the 33rd year of the event and a large number of children are expected. All available help will be needed on the day. Any member who is free on the day or can be available are asked to give a helping hand.

Ladies head to Mini Marathon

On Monday all roads will lead to Dublin for the Finn Valley ladies as they compete in the Dublin Women's Mini Marathon. Athletes competing are Noeleen Porter, Margaret Synott, Mary Bond, Mary Martin, Rosemaary Bogle and Noreen McConigley. Valley wish all the best of luck.

Club training continues every Tuesday and Thursday night at 7.30pm and Sunday morning at 10.30am. It is important that all attend.