Kieran Carlin Wins 25th Inter-Firms

Letterkenny AC celebrated the 25th anniversary of their Inter-Firms race last Tuesday and the event was marked by beautiful weather and over 100 competitors competed in the event. I was great to see so many faces that have not taken to the racing track for so many years and spirits were high for the event.

Valley's Kieran Carlin competing for MS Ireland won the event in a comfortable style in a time of 15.19. Ciaran was followed by another Valley competitor Charlie Gallagher who led his team ESB home in 2nd in 15.52.

Bernard McCabe competing for NWHB was 2nd Vet in a time of 17.02 while Anthony Murray won the over 50 prize in a time of 17.05.

Noeleen Porter was once again the leading lady in a time of 17.07 with Margaret Synott 2nd 17.51 and Kay Byrne 3rd winning the Veteran Category in a time of 18.19. Valley's Nancy McNamee (Hospital) led her team to victory in a time of 21.58. Margaret Murray continued her good performance winning the over 45 category with Mary Bond 2nd and Mary Martin 3rd.

Other Valley competitors were Drew Doherty, Joseph Brennan (good to see Joe back on the racing track and hopefully this will see his return to competition), Patsy Doherty, Neil Martin, Paddy Bond, Richard Alcorn, Grace Boyle and Bridgeen Doherty.

Patsy Doherty, Neil Martin, Richard Alcorn and Bridgeen Doherty all competed in the race of 1978.

Well done to all.

All Ireland School's Sports

Valley had a number of their athletes competing in Tullamore at the weekend.

Kevin Feely competed below his best finishing in 4th spot with a throw of 12.94. Kevin threw 13.68 last week in the Ulster and knows that he can significantly improve on this.

Nikki Alcorn competed in the Intermediate Girls walk finishing 6th and will still be in this age group next years. Team mates Maeve Culhane and Charlene competed in the Junior Girls walk finishing 7th and 9th. Well done to all and the experience gained from this competition will stand to all.

European Masters Championships

The club wish to congratuate Dominick Bonner on coming 3rd in the cross-country race which was held in Upice. Dominick was 3rd earlier in the week in the 10k road race whcih was mentioned in last weeks notes. Well done Dominick. Also Jim Hynes finished 16th in the half marathon.

European Youth Olympics

Congratulations to James King of Milford AC who has been selected on the Irish team for the European Youth Olympics to be held in Paris later on the Summer. Best of luck James.

Finn Valley host Donegal Primary Schools Sports

A large crowd is expected at the Finn Valley Centre on Wednesday for the county final of the Primary Schools sports. All help is welcome on the date.

Ulster Championships

On Saturday (7th) the Ulster Track and Field championships will be held in Belfast. Best of luck to all competing. Then on Sunday the Ulster U9--U13 Championships will be held in Templemore, Derry. An exciting weekend's competition ahead.

Photographs and other memorabilia for finnvalleyac.com website

Finn Valley are developing their history slot on their web site. If anyone has old photos the club would be grateful if they could have them on loan to put onto their site. Please contact Patsy McGonagle. All items will copied immediately and will be returned in double quick time.

In Sympathy The club wishes to extend sympathy to Brendan McDaid on the recent death of his father R.I.P.

Odds and Ends Results of Finn Valley competitors in the Mini Marathon will be given next. Hope all enjoyed same and were happy with their results.

Training continues every Tuesday and Thursday night and Sunday morning.