The major positive stories emerging from the 2017 Donegal senior cross country championships held Sunday at Finn Valley from a local perspective was the runaway victory by Teresa Doherty, formerly McGloin, for her 9th success.
It began in 2007 and with the exception of 2008, when Michelle Harvey won in the colours of Tir Chonnail and last year Caitriona Jennings, of Letterkenny, the stage has been Teresa’s.
Running well right now after the birth of daughter Aine she was the pre-race favourite . She recorded her victories on 8 of those occasions leading Valley team to the title but it wasn’t to be as a stronger Letterkenny quartet took the honours in that aspect of the race with Valley second
An anticipated battle with Letterkenny in the mens 10k didn’t materialise as the Valley lads scored 37 points and had 15 points to spare making it five-in-a-row.
They placed six scorers in the top nine with a determined spirited display as has been their hallmark in this event for decades led by Chris Johnston, a former two-time champion in second spot behind a strong run by LAC’s Karol Duggan.
Chris, currently studying in Warsaw, came in for this event an effort appreciated by team-mates.
In support and scoring Dermot McElchar, John McElhill, Mark McPaul, James McFadden and the Gallagher brothers Gerard and Shane.
This was in every respect a team effort and all would acknowledge the leadership of Mark Connolly .
A new addition to the senior programme has been the 4 x 500m relays and Valley had numerous squads involved victories at u 10,12,14 age level.
58 teams participated and before completing the report a word of praise for FVAC officials that had prepared an excellent course which will host the Ulster championships on Sunday at 11am back at Valley.
