From Finn Valley Athletics Club Stephens Day at Finn valley has traditionally welcomed many leading sports stars and certainly 2009 has the look of adding to the atmosphere that this event has brought to Stranorlar with the confirmation of Sinead Jennings who just in recent days has competed in the world indoor track individual pursuit and team pursuit for Ireland in Cali ,Columbia a discipline that the Letterkenny medical student is now preparing for with her usual diligence and determination .
A former schulls individual rowing world champion and when you are adding up the many aspects of her unique C V add in international triathlete . A warm welcome will await her on the day as will be rolled out to her sister Caitriona who on her last visit to the venue won the national half marathon title going on to represent Ireland in the world half . Add in Philip Deignan whom 2009 will be remembered for an exciting Tour of Spain stage the first Irishman since the great Stephen Roche to win a major stage .
Local man and European youth champion Jason Quigley who boxed against England this week leads out the boxing fraternity accompanied by Paul Dooley crowned national intermediate champion over the weekend . Pat ‘the cope ‘ Gallagher newly elected MEP will act as honorary starter of what is anticipated to be close to 1000 participants given reasonable weather conditions in aid of M S donegal . THe invitation has gone out to runners ,joggers,walkers and indeed entire families to come out and about and take a welcome breather from the hectic stress of the Christmas .
Breaking news is that doubt surrounds the involvement of leading Irish athlete Martin Fagan due to an injury sustained in Sundays European Cross but definately involved is Ian Ward who competed on the under 20 team and scored and a further invite has gone out to Noel Collins ,Omagh who also competed .
THe clear message from Race Director Patsy Mc Gonagle is come along get involved in what is a most enjoyable community event attracting everyone from 8 to 80 in previous years. Start is planned for 2pm with check in from 12 noon .
