From Finn Valley Athletics Club Miserable conditions greeted the athletes at Kilbegan,racecourse Sunday .An early start left this dedicated bunch undaunted as they hit the road 7am the competition national even age champs. and of course the junior and senior inter counties doubling up as international selection opportunity for a chosen few .
THe day got off to an encouraging start for Leanne Kelly 6th in under 12 really went at the race just fading in the final 300m . A brave display.Her brother Denver was taking no prisoners in the girls event a courageous approach seen him challenge to win finally crossing the line in 7th leading his team of Pauric Patton,Charles Mc Daid and Stephen Carr to bronze position ably supported by Adam Anderson ,Ryan Finn and Christopher Gallagher. Looking forward now to Sunday week to Coleraine and uneven ages .
The other Valley youth athletes to score were under 16 age group competitors Justin Browne and Ciera Kelly scoring on Ulster squads so a medal boost for both. Then it was on to the senior women Teresa Mc Gloin faded in the latter stages though she did lead the county squad home but 5th team .The senior men also finished 5th with Kevin Holian scoring . The senior county squads just were not strong enough on this occassion THe highlight of the days competition from both a Valley and county perspective was always going to be the junior mens group . Led by Ian Ward who only came to life when he absolutely had to in the final 600m 6th which nailed an essential spot on the team for Euro Cross Dublin Dec 13th .THat was final qualifying spot and for a second study this 4th Jennings1940, 5th Collins 19.41,and that final spot Ward 6th 19.45,losing out O Reilly 19.46,Jones 1947.So you can understand the nailbiting finishing yards which Ian handled really well .In Tramore last season we had a similar result from Ian then came Brussels and the true Ian Ward came out to compete as he can .GReat to have a club athlete on the Irish team .Back to the Donegal team Pauric Mc Laughlin from 15th Convoy 20.29 indeed this must put the D I T student in the frame for a medal in 2 weeks, Christopher Johnson 20.34 17th,Darren Mc Brearty 22nd 20.48 ,Castlefin Man Darren Mc Glinchey 28th 20.57 and finally Shane Bonner whose participation was in doubt right up to the start due to illness 42nd 22 .37 with Sean Mc Gettigan and Ryan Mc Daid also on the start frame for Donegal . THe team difference was Dublin 86,Donegal 130 and Cork 261. One hopes for the sake of the strength of the county and club this group can build on this day in Co. Westmeath.
THis weekend in addition to training its Sportshall in Dungloe on Sat. while in other news club athlete Hollie Knight a student at Auburn Univ .in U S has had to indicate to Irish selection committee her unavailability for consideration for Euro Cross due to sickness .