Tullamore on Sunday is a big day for the mens track and field squad at Finn Valley AC – back with the top clubs nationally contesting a Premier League final.
It’s been a few years since a Donegal club has been there.
Indeed Valley were regular qualifiers some years ago in both men’s and women’s finals and had many exciting days but a decision a few years ago to focus on this target coming through lower division to contest for final day contention has taken a few years with mixed returns.
A young energetic group of Valley athletes now have enjoyed two qualification outings at Belfast and Dublin where commitment and team spirit were evident, sees them close the season to engage with what are city clubs, Clonliffe, the reigning champions, an example.
The plan now is to go enjoy the team dynamic get a ranking amongst the big boys enjoy the experience hopefully top 6 is on the cards.
Moving forward, team leader Mark Connolly would dream and work with club coaches towards improvement and qualify both men and women in 2019 at Premier level .
The full squad named is Ben Carr, James Kelly, Dennis McGinley, Aiden Connolly, Aaron Doherty, Gerard Gallagher, Chris Johnstone, Bosco Reid, Simon Archer,Danny Browne, Brian O Domhnaill, Gavin McLaughlin, Patrick Galvin, Chris Kearns, Dylan Kearns.
Unfortunately, Conor Breslin, originally named in squad has had to withdraw due to foot injury .
Otherwise its a busy weekend for Valley as some 15 master athletes contest their nationals tomorrow Saturday and talented underage athlete national javelin champion from Castlederg, Blaine Lynch, is chasing the Scottish title in Aberdeen accompanied by his dad Paddy .
Transport leaves Valley Saturday 7am while Sunday its a 6.30am assembly and departure both to Tullamore.
