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3rd
Nov 2010
Classy Cross Country Race
Action Awaits
The clocks may well have gone back over the weekend but its
all systems go for local athletics as the competitive action
kicks in to a higher gear this month with three significant
cross country weekends scheduled by the end of November. Indeed
the McConnell Shield in Ballyclare this Saturday and Sundays
Ulster/NI Juvenile Uneven Age Groups and Novice championships
in Monaghan,provide a meaty double header with a huge local
interest guaranteed from both City of Derry Spartans and Foyle
Valley AC.
A full preview of the local challange this weekend will follow
in Fridays Journal but it is known that both local clubs are
bullish about their chances of Novice cross country success
in Monaghan on Sunday with both their men and women squads
expected to be among the medal contendors at the Scotstown
venue.
Looking ahead,the action continues on Saturday 13th in Dublin
at the annual Masters International cross country which will
see ten City of Derry athletes in the mix. Wearing the green
NI or Ireland vests will be Jackie MCGinley, Anne Paul, Bridgeen
Byrne, Roisin Lynch,Damien MCGinty, Declan McCarthy, Dermot
Connolly, Peter Lilburn,Gerry Lynch and Christy McMonagle.
Finally right at the end of the month,on Sunday 28th to be
precise,its back home to the Gransha Grounds for the National
Juvenile Even Age Groups and Inter Counties championships,
a ten race programme which will bring around 1500 of the best
runners in the country to the Waterside venue. The Senior,
U23 and U20 Junior races will double up as the Irish trials
for Decembers European championship and
all the big names from all parts of the country should serve
up a brilliant days racing.There will of course be significant
local input as City of Derry already have under age qualifiers
in the club and county categories and selection of both male
and female senior Inter County squads is under way.
Donegal Senior Cross Country
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Finn Valley won both the male and female team titles at the
Donegal senior cros country championships in Stranorlar on
Sunday,yhe mens on countback after a 39 points deadlock in
the six to score contest. Patrick Brennan and Ciaron Doherty
were first and third for Letterkenny with Valleys Noel Collins
in the runners up spot but Domnic Bonners late surge to pip
Brian Thursby Pelham on the line gave the team honours to
the Ballybofey based squad.
Teresa McGloin won the womens race for Valley ahead of Tir
Conails Michelle Harvey and Karen Crossan of Innishowen. Marina
Campbell ran very well for fourth to fly the flag for City
of Derry and in the mens race Eoghan Furey and Paddy Doherty
finished just outside the top twenty.
Results here.
Photos by Cathy Furey here
Gerry Lynch 1/11.10
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