PATSY MCGONAGLE’S FINN VALLEY AC REPORT: Brothers John and James Kelly grabbed the headlines at Day One of the national underage indoor in Athlone IT with two absolutely stand out performances in the shot circle.
John was over the 18m on a number of occasions the relevance being that he is chasing a world youth Q standard of 18-20m and he hit 18-11m, unlucky that the organisation of the event didn’t plan for what was a longer effort.
The St Johnstone 17 yr old was just 9cm short but he will and can hit the mark in the months ahead.
This was a new Irish record held previously by Sean Breathnach, Galway since 1996 at 17.75m a notable notable mark and the best there on what was a busy day with Ireland’s best chasing titles.
Younger brother James who has been whacking out some exciting marks at Finn Valley through the winter hit 15.38m again an age group best performance erasing the 13.60m which stood since 2010 in the u-14 age range.
There was a Valley 1, 2 in the triple jump with Blaithnaid Patton 10.45m her training partner Simone Crawford on 10.35m so it will be really interesting as both chase the 11m mark in the months ahead. Coach Niall Wilkinson has to be happy about both performances.
There was another Donegal 1 ,2 in the U 15 long jump with LAC athlete Arlene Crossan 5.24m against Valley’s Janine Boyle 5-05m in silver. Janine also had a great 60m with a silver in 8.07 reward for many years hard work.
Early in the day Castlederg’s Sommer Lecky had a pb in the high at 1.51m good enough for silver from a multi talented young lady.
At the end of the day there was a walk medal for Jordan Byrne whose sister Michaela was unlucky not to medal at 1.25m 4th as was Aine Wilkinson also on 1.25m.
Hard luck story of the week was Aine Kerr from Convoy long jump 4.39m 4th considering 4.40m collected a medal.
The other Donegal gold came via Kelly Mc Grory in 60m under 18, 7.78 . Valley will be happy that top 6 finish positions came via Pauric Patton,Oisin Gallen,Jack Gillespie ,Amy Boyle Carr,Niamh Murphy ,Daniella Jansen ,Pauric Harold,Lauren Callaghan,Oisin Mc Elhinney ,Mark Mc Elhinney and Ian Brennan.
The challenge now for the relative coaches is to study the current national ranking and work on a structured way to close the gap improve to a medal shot.
Busy days ahead beyond Easter remembering national and Ulster champs will be held at Finn Valley in certain age divisions.
Day 2 again a medal a silver for Blaithnaid Patton at a pb a very respectable 1.65m high so now to chase Sinead Mc Laughlin’s outdoor club record of 1.68m.
Michaela Byrne after coming so close in high the previous day medalled in the long on round 1 a silver with Lauren Callaghan 4th as was the case with Alex Mc Geehin 4th . Finally a massive thanks to all the parents and support staff that travelled thy really are an absolute credit.
Just to congratulate the Black brothers ,Cranford 1,2 in the long and Tara Carr from LAC in the high a gold medal performance . Now to complete the indoor season with the relays and a short break and back on deck for a push for the number 1 club spot outdoors .
Next weekend its Ballyliffin Coastal Challenge Saturday 2pm .
The club extend deepest sympathy to the family of Patsy Mc Ginty Rip . Patsy was for many years a club committee member as his family became involved most prominently Kathleen,Seamus and Sean a true gentleman who enjoyed the many happy occassions as the club began to find its feet at every level in the early days. We extend deepest sympathy to his wife and indeed the entire family circle . May he rest in peace.
