Also on board: Shane Mc Monagle, John Reid and Adam Mc Crudden, with a healthy support grouping of Alex Mc Gehin and Adrian Mc Laughlin. A few of these lads under 11 so another challenge awaits take a bow coach Dermot Mc Granaghan. The corresponding girls team 2nd, led by a gutsy Aoife Mc Grath. The 14 boys didnt ignite as a group and went down to Burren scoring 47 -62.
It will be interesting to note how they respond both at individual and team level . There is only one correct answer in this case head down and go for it in every respect national medals can be garnered . The distance of the various races is now a key element and preparation accordingly so the 14 girls despite a solid return from Aoibhinn Mc Hugh werent competitive despite a valiant positive effort . The 16 boys qualified and good to see Oisin Gallen 3rd as he is a focused attentive young man who will continue to impress.
The 16 boys arent a million miles away from being competitive at a higher level indeed they are all under 17 so bring on Killybegs Sunday week. The sixteen girls again not able to cope with the distance but gave it their all and medalled a special word for Aine Mc Grath who produced a never say die attitude. This squad can improve. Scoring: Lagan Valley 68, Omagh 86 , Finn Valley 99.
Finally Paddy Penrose is on the Ulster 18 team a reward for consistent training . And thats it, a beautiful day enjoyed by athletes, parents, coachs alike to whom we are once again most grateful . The 10 girls team are Ulster champions and are a talented enthusiastic group led by Andrea Browne and newcomer Chloe Coyle. There are many other talented girls on board Amy Mc Menamin,Cara Mc Connell, Brenda Carr and Cara Wilkinson
Well done Mark Bonner now employed at Mc Elhinneys stores winner of the Finn Harps 5k and remember Sunday evening 7pm the annual presentation get together parents and athletes with the reminder that young and old should now have attended to their annual membership .
The Donegal senior cross country champs returns to a Letterkenny venue after many years on Sunday with Letterkenny and Finn Valley defending their respective titles.