Sun continues to shine for Valley athletes

Two themes run through the past few weeks in what is the daily story of Finn Valley. First, there is the continued good weather, and second, a busy schedule.

Antrim was the venue over last weekend for the Ulster AAI 14-19 age championships.

The story in brief. Breda Mc Ginty --- the real Breda that is --- turned up, as distinct from the girl that attended the Irish schools. She was positive anxious and determined to show what we at the club know she is capable of. The result was a competitive run in every sense: a PB of 2-17-57 and surely an 800m under 2-15 is now the target. Her reaction "well something clicked today; I wanted that time and was so disappointed last week and wanted to make up for it".

Clive Heapes is such a throwing talent. This weekend he had a hammer victory at 48.09-m and a silver in the javelin (38.77). Clive needs to commit and there is no end to what he can acheive but therein lies the challenge.

Pauric Mc Laughlin, a medal last week, and a gold this week in the steeplechase and shaping up like he can challenge strongly for a schools vest; 2k his time 6-45.5.

Rebecca Ward used always turn up at schools sports representing Donoughmore and win the long jump well a few years later now at the Royal and Prior she turns up and is still winning the event her jump 4-52 with limited attention to the event so we will see how this develops.

Shannon Heapes 4th in shot and Erin Mc Granaghan medalling in hammer and javelin have qualified as has Jodie Stewart shot at 8-83 and triple jump 10-22.

Stephanie Connolly can add to her shot distance come nationals July 5/6 again Antrim and Aileen Breenan 1.45 high jump is through.

Anne Mc Gill has come along and completely threw herself into the leadership of the walk event and Sunday must surely have given her some encouragement though she herself knows the challenge of the task. Aoife Whelan 1st 3k Paula Friel 3rd, Madeline Penrose 1st 2k really aggressive approach on this occassion and big brother Michael 1st in the 5k but the word fitness comes into the equation. 5k is in addition to a technical event one that demands fitness; this is something Michael needs to tackle to improve.

A big thank you to officials who travelled on Saturday and Sunday. It's important to make the point that without this dedication nothing would happen, so once again thank you.

This weekend we have the Northern Ireland and Ulster Senior championships on Saturday. Then all hands on deck on Sunday for the National league.

Well done to Kevin Holian and Teresa Mc Gloin carrying the club banner so ably to win their sections in Donegal Town 5k.