PATSY MCGONAGLE IS ‘delighted’ and ‘encouraged’ at Finn Valley Athletic Club’s recognition on a national stage at the Glohealth National Athletics awards.
Finn Valley were today rewarded for their endeavour by being named as the Development Club of the Year, while Mark English from Letterkenny won Under-23 Athlete of the Year.
English, who will compete in the 800m at the Olympics in Rio next summer, won the silver medal in the 800m final in the European Indoor Athletics Championships in Prague and had an excellent run to finish fourth at the Anniversary Games in London in his best time of the season – 1:45.49.
Photo caption: The Finn Valley Athletic Club delegation after the Stranorlar-based club was named as Development Club of the Year at the Glohealth National Athletics Awards at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry today. Photo courtesy of Finn Valley Athletic club
Elsewhere, the bronze medallists from the Women’s Senior Team European Cross Country Championships last December, who were captained by Ann Marie McGlynn and trained by Teresa McDaid from Letterkenny Athletic club, were also recognised.
But it was a double reason for celebration for McGonagle, the chairman of Finn Valley, as he and his wife Rosaleen were celebrating their 48th wedding anniversary.
Finn Valley coaches Shauna Carlin and Sharon Bradley at the the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry today
“We’re delighted at the award,” McGonagle told Donegal Sport Hub this evening on his way home from the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry. “It’s a good boost and it’s always nice to be acknowledged on the national stage.
“The award also offers encouragement for everyone. We believe we’re a well-structured club and it’s great to get positive news.
“Finn Valley were granted the award having been Ireland’s top club in terms of national participation over the last two years, with representatives at all the major events from the European Youths to the Under-23 Juniors to the World Championships.”
The Stranorlar-based club currently have 26 athletics coaches in all from ‘Leader’ level to six at the top bracket, Level 3.
Over the years, Finn Valley has improved their facility to the tune of a €13million outlay, having raised €6million towards that figure.
The club, which has 568 registered athletes, was also credited for also being a hob of sport in the community, welcoming more than athletics to its premises. It currently employed 51 people, 26 on a full-time basis.
Award winners
Athlete of the Year: Thomas Barr (Ferrybank)
Hall of Fame: Frank O’Mara
Lifetime service to Athletics: Dick Hodgins (Cork City Sports)
Outstanding Official Award: John McDermott (Annalee AC)
Junior Athlete: Kevin Mulcaire (Ennis Track)
U23 Athlete: Mark English (UCD)
Endurance: Rob Heffernan (Togher)
Track & Field: Thomas Barr (Ferrybank)
Inspirational Performance: Brian Murphy (Crusaders)
Performance Club: Clonliffe Harriers
Development Club: Finn Valley AC
Team of the Year: Women’s Senior Team European Cross Country Championships
Service to Coaching: John Shields (Clonliffe Harriers)
Mountain Runner: Ian Conroy (Raheny Shamrock)
Master Athlete: Mick Traynor (Raheny Shamrock)
Ultra Athlete: Eoin Keith (Sportsworld)
University Athlete: Thomas Barr (Ferrybank)
Irish Schools Tailteann Awards – Girl: Phoebe Murphy (Loreto Clonmel)
Irish Schools Tailteann Award – Boy: Matthew Behan (CUS)
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