Two very positive returns from Adamstown at the end of the day an exciting men’s team have 7 pts to spare over Leevale Cork to win national novice team only the second time in club history!
It’s a young squad they are enjoying the athletics experience and as Ulster champions had worthy credentials heading South but you gotta do it on the day and from the off their intention was clear.
A scoring quartet of Gerard Gallagher who carries the team lead mantle, Mark Hoy, James Speight and Dermot Brennan the only man sadly standing from what was a successful group at underage level.
Coach Connolly was driving them on and all in top 20 at half way you remained positive as you observed from the wings.
In the end belief and desire delivered Gerard 8,James 13,Dermot 19 and Mark Hoy 26th great job from the assembled supporters that had remained.
For the record the winning team in 2003 at Navan was Joe Byrne,Simon Ward now an army corporal,John Creane and Conal Mc Bride.
Another aspect of the novice men and women participation was the large group that travelled early morning indicating the strong spirit currently obvious.
Well done all with Catherine Dooher lead novice woman.
Let’s get it together for Stephens Day 5k and encourage all to pre enter finnvalley1@gmail.com.
Into the new year and the date that shouts out is national intermediate February 3rd in Derry.
Aaron McGlynn I feel ran his best national todate really really impressive as he tracked,dictated pace, hung on and finally the Cu Uladh student put the boot in and he was gone leaving a very good Dunleer lad in his wake.
End of year class report will read national indoor,outdoor and cross country champion Aaron Mc Glynn!!!
Coach Peader Mc Granaghan has a serious achievement record over 12 years and long may it continue.
The Valley team came within 4 points of winning Kilmurray /Ickbane 172, Mullingar 172 and Valley 176 . Scoring Aaron Jack Gillespie ,Gleneely ns ;Shane Mc Monagle Tooban ns;and completing the scoring Adam Mc Granaghan ,Castlefinn ns. with medals going to Luke Gavigan and Adam Mc Crudden as well.
John Reid 13th has the potential in the years ahead to go to nationals and win ,good support at home ,he wants to do it so watch this space . He combined with an excellent Cranford team to push Donegal to silver .
All the Valley competitors coachs,parents are all part of the team and have responded unselfishly throughout the pre christmas season now the invitation is there for all to join us on the 26th young and old a family occassion .
Elsewhere Sarah Collins 31st in the European junior cross country in Budapest but what a year it has been for her. Not on the stage December 2011 in any meaningful day then nationals .British aaa,,world juniors ,Irish record ,Ncaa outa Providence etc etc in 2012 . Again lets just watch the development in 2013 still a junior of course in that period ahead.
Ciaran Dolan a student at Sheffield got his first jump competion of the season over there gretting out to 6-83 in long . . Encouraging for sure .
Fionnuala Britton and Ireland women gold at Europeans that statement in itself says it all . Memorable day Well done the local management staff Teresa Mc Daid and Neil Martin .
Congrats to brother and sister Catriona Devine and Dermot Mc Granaghan who recently attended AAi level 1 coach course.
