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National League Final 2006 |
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bob_mullan_motors_5k_series_2006.htm
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City of Derry team manager Jim Herron is leaving no stone unturned as he takes both men’s and women’s teams to Tullamore on Sunday for the finals of the Hibernian National League. The City men have qualified the Division One Final in fourth place after the two qualifying rounds while the Spartan ladies squeezed in seventh of the eight teams in women’s Division One final. The men’s Division One saw 21 contenders start out seeking the eight places on offer with City of Derry slipping from first to fourth in the second qualifying group match. Strabane Track Club also put a spirited show on the second day to secure a final spot in sixth place behind overall leaders Shercock from Cavan. Unfortunately, the Finn Valley men were prevented from making it three northwest sides in the eight-team decider after ending up ninth. The Stranorlar club was just seven points off qualification with Donegal rivals Letterkenny in tenth. City of Lisburn led the women’s Division One after the two qualification rounds ahead of Athletics Wexford, Co Meath and Clonliffe. City of Derry are the only other Northern team in the final after improving significantly in the second fixture. Herron’s phone has been red hot this past week as he tries to put together his strongest sides for this Sunday. Unfortunately, former British junior (U20) international Tom Carey is not available due to a clash of fixtures with his English club. Carey who still retains close contacts with his relations in Prehen and Greysteel was a big point scorer for City in last year’s final, in which the Derry men finished third, winning both hurdles events as well as playing key parts in the two relays. Nevertheless, Pajo Hamilton has been developing into a top class athlete this season. His 49.16 seconds for 400 metres in the second round now ranks him second in Northern Ireland this season. City will also be strong in the distances with Kieran Hurley, Allan Bogle and Diarmuid Grant available. Nevertheless an overall weakness in the field may mean the Spartan men fail to duplicate last year’s top three finish. Herron sees Sunday’s final as a learning curve for the City women in that he has a very young squad who will benefit from the experience of competing at this level. If the City ladies can finish in the top six Herron will see it as satisfactory progress toward an assault on the title next year.
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