John Kelly, the Royal and Prior school student was adding valuable points to the Irish schools tally when he emerged as one of the better performers from the squad at the annual schools international in Ashford ,Kent Saturday accompanied by his family he finished 2nd a most respectable 16.52 m behind the winning English lad at 17.35m . He has remained totally consistent and focused through this season and stilll has Celtic International in Aberdeen and British AAA champs in Bedford to come .
Meanwhile an investigation of the opening weekend of national underage champs has put Valley top of the list as most successful club in Ireland currrently having amassed 13 medals 7 of them gold . This is surely most encouraging as we shortly close down on another season and coachs and parents alike must take a bow understanding that we can improve this total in the years ahead with some tweaking of our approach . Seriously well done all . Consider number 1 from 123 competing clubs that medalled a noteworthy ranking our best ever .
Elsewhere Tori Pena joined the Irish team to participate in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Friday and further to that finalise her prep. for her competition .
Ciaran Dolan continues to improve his long jump pb with a 7,10m in Antrim Sunday and Mark Hoy .James Speight and Paul Leck were in Antrim last week for Brian Downing plus Oisin Gallen 2nd in 800m . A big welcome back to competition Angela Speight winner of Lisbellaw 10k and her Mum a category winner. Dominic Bonner and a few Valley lads were in Churchill Friday night last for a well organised 5k event .
This weekend its back on the road again to Tullamore to complete underage national programme.