DDTV VIDEO WORLD EXCLUSIVE: IT’S not every day that the world’s most famous athlete takes time out of his busy schedule to pay tribute to a top club – but that’s what the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt did this weekend in honour of Finn Valley Athletics Club.
Bolt filmed this special tribute (click to play) to help Finn Valley celebrate its 40th birthday at a very well attended Black Tie event in Jackson’s Hotel on Friday night.
An attendance close to 350 included many current club members and indeed a number from abroad shared memories, acknowledged the many volunteers that had assisted since the initial meeting in 1971.
The club also took the opportunity to honour local business man John Mc Elhinney and his family marking 40 years of his special contribution to the community.
Former national senior champion Sean Carlin, in his address, remarked on the drive and leadership provided by John and by Patsy Mc Gonagle over four decades.
Both received presentations as did Neil Martin, Patsy McGinley and PeaderMc Granaghan.
MC for the occassion was international athlete Kieran Carlin. Organising committee was in addition to Kieran, Ann Marie McGeehin, Rosaleen Mc Gonagle, Bridgeen Doherty and Dermot Mc Granaghan.
Sponsorship provided by Mc Elhinneys, Rite Financial Services, Kelly Scaffolding and Kavanaghs Supervalu.
In a closing address Patsy, in dwelling on the past glories, looked ahead to the development of further facilities at Finn Valley most notably a swimming pool for the region.
Celebrations went on into the early hours and links were provided with Usain Bolt who apologised for being unable to attend due to work committment in Miami and from Vivian Cheruiyot world 5000/10000m champion coached by Finn Valley’s Ricky Simms who like Usain is in Miami and was unable to be present.
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