CROSS country is a tough challenge on a good day but Saturday in Dundonald Belfast for the Ulster Under 11-19 cross country provided a memorable obstacle.
Conditions were dire due to incessant rain but the show went on.
Undaunted, Finn Valley’s younger brigade got off to a strong start winning the under-11 girls – Finn Valley 50, North Down 74 and Rosses 76 in that order. Scoring for Finn Valley were Castlefinn NS pair Niamh McGranaghan and Katie McGlinchey with Nia Byrne (Sessiaghoneill NS) plus from Glencovitt NS, Leona Slevin.
Another positive performance from Valley under-11 boys, team score here Rosses 46, Finn Valley 62 and Clones 75.
Finn Valley were led by Mark Wilkinson (Dromore NS) with Joshua (Drumkeen NS) and Sessiaghoneill pair Jack Byrne and Shea McNulty scoring
The under-13 boys kept the medal run going final: Result St Michaels Enniskillen, Letterkenny and Finn Valley.
Scoring for Finn Valley were twins Harry and Shaun Gallagher, Pauric McGettigan and Odhran McBrearty.
Ella McGlinchey was Finn Valley’s best in the corresponding under-15 girls, while in the under-17 girls Sarah Bradley (8) and Emir O’Brien (16) were best.
The under-17 boys race, won by Glenswilly lad Sean McGinley (14.04) had Oisin Toye 4th, his best this year 14.16.
In the under-19 boys and girls a winning team 17 points to North Down 34.
In the under-19 girls Cassie Lagan (4) ,Karen Gallagher (5) and Aoife McGrath (6), a student now at Queens University and with the LAC athlete, a winning Donegal county team.
In the boys equivalent, Aaon Quinn (8) continues to improve.
Elsewhere, Elsie Friel (Drumkeen NS) was a para athletics winner at the indoor meet Carlow and St Columbas College student Daniel McHugh was 5th in a combined events schools at Athlone IT.
Next is the Remembrance 10k on Sunday at 11am at Finn Valley and international masters at Aintree Liverpool where five Finn Valley athletes compete .
