from Finn Valley AC 26th December 2008 once again we had a fantastic turn out for the annual 5km road race, the by now established race organised by Finn Valley AC has proved a great success for walkers, joggers and runners through out the county, with 294 walkers 251 runners in the race and with the proceeds to the sum of €6000 going to the family of Noirin Ni Gairbeith a 5yr old girl seriously injured in a traffic accident last Summer. The letterkenny cyclist Philip Diagnam who now cycles with the Pro team Carlos Sastre started the race, also in attendance was well known Irish rower Sinead Jennings. With a 2 o clock start the masses assembled on the start line whilst the walks got under way the athletes did their last minute stretches and strides. A special word of thanks must go to Mark Connolly who had the task of producing the handicap times which at the end of the race would prove a job well done with 180 people crossing in the line virtually together. In 10 sec intervals the athletes set off, the slowest starting first the speedsters thereafter.
Ian Ward ran the fastest time of the day in a time of 15.20 2nd Fastest Eoin Rowan Sligo 15.31 3rd Fastest Kieran Carlin 15.50 fastest lady Teresa Mc Gloin 17.16, 2nd Catriona Jennings Letterkenny 17.25. Shannon Mc Laughlin Convoy won the Anne Mc Ardle cup for 1st under 15 Girl. Hugh Gallagher 18.49 won the overall race
The success of the race is down to a huge team effort from the mass of marshals organised by Sean Carlin to the people whom took the entries, the cooks & tea makers, Brendan Mc Daid and Neil Martin sorting results, to the people who gave the prizes to all who gave sandwiches and Dermot Mc Granaghan who sponsored the Fastest time prizes. Special thanks to the all who came to watch and support their family members.
Overall this was another moment’s occasion in the clubs history an honour having both Philip Diagnam and Sinead Jennings at the race. Both should an inspiration to all young athletes in Donegal and the North West.
To all who lost loved ones throughout the year we at Finn Valley AC would like to extend our deepest sympathy to one and all.
Looking forward to the future we wish everyone a peaceful and healthy New Year in 2009.
Results.
