Welcome to Foyle Valley AC

NI Civil Service XC

The NI Civil Service XC was run in Stormont yesterday, in almost perfect race conditions. The men’s race was won by Annadale’s Mark Wright with 28 seconds clear of Balmoral Harriers’ Daniel Diamond in 2^nd and 3^rd place was filled by Matthew Wilson of Willowfield Harriers. Pius McIntyre (10^th) had a great debut run for Foyle Valley, just 5 seconds back was Cathal McLaughlin (12^th), Chris McGuinness (15^th) both men showing real signs of improvement over the last few months. Chris Ryan had another strong run to finish in 37^th place out of 67 competitors. City of Derry’s Dermot Connolly finished 17^th overall and 1^st in the male 50 category. Results

                                                            Seeley Cup 2009

The Seeley Cup 10km run and Northern Ireland Championship race was run on Saturday 5^th December around the familiar course in Ormeau Park, Belfast.

In near perfect conditions for running, almost 700 runners set off at the 2:30pm start. Past winner Joe Mc Allister of St. Malachys AC took the honours in 30mins 18secs. He was closely followed by Martin Cox of Armagh AC just 7 seconds behind him. Local runner Greg Roberts of City of Derry Spartans maintained his excellent form in 2009 with a 30min 37sec time to take 3^rd place.

Foyle Valley AC was again out in force for what has become a popular event in the clubs calendar. Over 20 Valley runners made the trip and some notable times were recorded.

First up was Scott Rankin, one of Valleys up and coming youngsters who came in at 34mins 51secs. Club stalwart Billy Orr, on the back of recent good, form completed in 37mins 10secs and Barry Smith made up the top three with a time of 37mins 37secs.

Joe Mac Carthy was the only runner from Valley to feature in the Northern Ireland 10km Championship race which is incorporated into the Seeley Cup. Evergreen Joe who has made a welcome return to competitive running after an almost 15year ‘rest’ came second in the over 50yrs category with an excellent time of 37mins 46secs. Other notable times were Brian Kelly’s PB of 38mins 10secs and Kevin Doherty’s PB of 42mins 30secs.

The first three ladies for Valley were Deirdre Quigg who again has maintained her good form in 45mins 39secs with Miriam Mc Fadden, 47:32 and Julie Doherty

The rest of the times for Foyle Valley runners were:-

Declan Doherty 38:01, Ryan Snodgrass 38:39, Garvin Doherty 39:08, Chris Ryan 40:17, Tom Doherty 41:15, Joe Pewtner 42:45, Joe Morrison 44:29, Colly Doherty 45:27, Julie Doherty  49:08, Kate Meehan 49:49, Denise Doherty 50:19, Trish Mc Clintock 50:57 and Martina Mc Cafferty 51:27.

Next up for Foyle Valley will be the North West Cross Country run in Gransha Park on Saturday 19^th Dec.

Not forgetting the team who will be travelling to Calvia, Majorca next week-end to accompany Gerry Mc Daid on his momentous 100^th Marathon on Sunday 13^th.

Best of luck and many congratulations to Gerry in advance of his 100^th.

No pressure then!!

 Photos from Saturdays race

                                 Foyle Valley AC Strike Silver At Coleraine

Atrocious weather coupled with heavy underfoot conditions did not deter Foyle Valley athletes on Saturday at Coleraine Institute grounds. The prestigious annual cross country event hosted by Pegasus AC is normally highly competitive and Saturday was no exception. First up to be tested were Foyle’s ladies : Deirdre Quigg (10), Kate Meehan (13) and Trish Mc Clintock (14). All three athletes gave an excellent account of themselves under very difficult conditions battling throughout the 5.5km course. Foyle’s trio of ladies deserve full credit for finishing second team displaying commitment and resolve in the process. Next up to be tested were the vets and senior males who faced the 7.5km course now heavily cut up due to previous races. Greg Roberts from City of Derry led the athletes round lifting individual gold in the process. First home for Foyle was the ever consistent Scott Rankin in 13^th place. Next to cross the line were Ryan Snodgrass (18), Declan Doherty (19), Joe Mac Carthy (21), Billy Orr (22), Barry Smith (23), Chris Mc Guinness (24), Chris Ryan (27), Marty Mc Bride (31) and Mark Mc Clintock (37). Valley’s close packing meant that they finished second senior male team behind City of Derry. This was an excellent performance under the careful guidance of trainer and mentor Gabriel Bell. Gabriel was delighted by the success of his athletes under such challenging conditions.

Many of those taking part on Saturday had never raced cross country before and Saturday’s race was surely a baptism of fire. Interestingly, Foyle Valley would also have lifted the over 50 male veteran male title, but instead all athletes focused on the senior male open to ensure medals. Saturday was a day of mixed emotions with success tinted by sadness. Marty Gallagher’s absence was keenly felt by all athletes from both city clubs. Marty would no doubt have been spearheading Foyle Valley’s challenge on Saturday and he is greatly missed.

Focus now shifts to forthcoming cross country races and the ever popular Joe Seeley 10km road race in Belfast. Gabriel has drawn up list of target races and training will be geared toward further successes. Training is now beginning to pay dividends and with further effort the club will increase in strength and depth.

                                                           Marty will be sadly missed

It is with deep sorrow that we report the death of our club member Martin Gallagher as a result of a fatal accident on Saturday night.  Marty, as he was affectionately known, will be sadly missed by all in the running fraternity.

Martin Gallagher

2nd February 1984 ------- 1st November 2009

Dublin Marathon 2009 

Monday 26^th October, the autumn bank holiday in Eire, heralded the annual running of the Dublin Marathon. This year was the 30^th anniversary run. Weather-wise, you could not have picked a better day for the marathon distance. With little or no wind and a temperature of between 14-17degrees C, runners enjoyed ideal conditions in bright autumn sunshine.

As usual, Foyle Valley was well represented at the event although not as many as would normally make the trip did so this year. There were however some notable performances by both the men and women in the club.

Leading the ladies in was Deirdre Quigg who capitalised on a regimental and dedicated training schedule to finish in 3:39:36. Her team members Sandra Mc Keever and Lisa Feeney finished in 4:21:47 and 4:22:31 respectively. Sandra and Deirdre both achieving P.Bs. in the marathon distance.

Barry Smith lead the men in with a PB for him of 3:04:02, followed by that man Tony Grant who once again has raised the bar for himself with another PB this year of 3:13:33. Tony has earned himself an automatic entry into London with his Good for Age sub 3:15. Congratulations to another of Deirdre’s’ training team, Charlie Nash who finished in a PB of 3:29:02. Club stalwart Packie Deehan has obviously been doing a bit of secret training as he looked remarkably fresh for his 3:45:06.

Joe Morrison took the Harry Mc Nulty role in Dublin this year and paced his daughter Ashlene around in her first ever marathon. Ashlene and Dad came in at 4:05:02.

Well done also to Joe Pewtner, 3:51:28, Scott Galbraith 3:24:50 and Ashlene’s husband Doug who also had a PB in 3:22:53. Billy Orr is missing from the Dublin report as he decided to spread his wings a little further this October and went to Washington DC instead to run the Marine Corp Marathon in that City.  Still recovering from his recent hamstring niggles, Billy enjoyed a leisurely 3hr 15min marathon and I am sure enjoyed a bit of sight seeing as well.Next up for everyone will be the Seeley Cup 10km in Ormeau Park, Belfast in early December.

                                               Dessie's Run 10k

The annual Dessie's Run hosted by local club City of Derry took place last night (25th August 2009) arond the Gransha grounds. For the past few years the race has been a five miler, but with the new improved course the race was reinstated to its originaldistance of 10k! The race was won by St Malachy's Joe McAlistair in a pretty fast 30:31, just 20 seconds back was Spartan Gregory Roberts in 2nd place with a time of 30:51 and the final Podium place was filled by Declan Reed in 32:31!  Full results Here,

Foyle Hospice Male walk/run & BUPA London 10k

 The annual Foyle Hospice male walk/run will take place on Sunday 27th September around the two bridges starting and finishing at Sainsbury’s 1.30 pm start. This event has growing over the past couple of years but the males are still no were near the ladies when it comes to getting out and strutting their stuff, so come on lads lets get rolling get your entry pack! Another class event for anyone who wants to give the spring marathon a break, but also still wants to help the hospice! The Foyle Hospice is taking a team to take part in the London Bupa 10k on Bank holiday Monday 31^st May! The arrangements are as follows, stay in London on Saturday and Sunday night then run the 10k Monday morning and depart London on Monday evening, sponsorship target £850, for more details on this event and the male walk/run contact the Foyle Hospice 02871359888 or email fundraising@foylehospice.com

Reed and Doherty win Jog in the Bog

Declan Reed (15:54) and Theresa Doherty (19:55) were the winners of the annual 5k jog in the bog, Reed was closely followed by team mate Emmett McGinty just 2 seconds back to take 2^nd! First in for Foyle Valley was Billy Orr (17:47),followed by Ryan Snodgrass (17:55). Results

Big Pat on the back (as well as the front)

 “Sometimes I wonder how life takes you where it wants you to go.

 I am not long back from completing my first ever marathon, the London Marathon  which I ran in April of this year. I ran to raise funds for the Foyle Hospice. I wanted to run for the Hospice in memory of friends who have been cared for there, who have died there. There were two big challenges about doing the London Marathon- one was getting round the whole 26.2 miles- some people  say that that last bit is the hardest. For me the first twenty six miles were the hardest! The second big challenge is fundraising .  Noel Mc Monagle, fundraiser for the Hospice, was a great  support  for me, on both fronts. He’s a runner himself and a coach with City of Derry Athletic Club.  I have been running with Foyle Valley Athletic Club. This was no problem. Any help he could give with the training he did. But he also supported me with the fundraising. Overcoming both challenges successfully has been a tremendous experience. Noel got me medals and sponsorship forms when I organised a “wee fundraising marathon” with children from  the Rainbow Child and Family Centre where I help out. I also helped organise two fundraising bag- packs, one up at Dunnes Stores  in Ballymagroarty and the other at B and M  down the Strand Road. That’s how I overcome the fundraising challenge.

 The running was a different kettle of fish-

 When I look back I think to myself, I was smoking from when I was  thirteen years old and loved every single fag until my fortieth birthday. When I was growing up everybody smoked.  It wasn’t seen as an unhealthy habit. You could even buy singles when you were “busted”. I got married at  twenty nine. Both myself and my wife, Cathy, smoked but when she became pregnant, she stopped.  I didn’t.  My wife loved squash and keep fit and tried on numerous occasions to get me to do something. She even tried to teach me squash but it just wasn’t my thing. My son, Rhys, was seven when my father died. This was difficult time.  I was forty  when my daughter, Molly  was born   Something clicked inside of me . I realised that life was short and that I needed to make life- changing decisions. My father- in- law, Jimmy, had stopped smoking in his mid-forties. He never missed an opportunity to remind me how bad smoking was.  I got myself off to the doctors. Paddy Doherty got me onto “the patches”.  I began to put on a bit of weight. That’s when I started walking. And the walking led to a bit of jogging. The first time I jogged a full mile, I was bloody delighted and slowly but surely  I built it up. It helped in the battle with the fags.  Cathy was a  keen jogger by this stage and together we were running the Two Bridges and the Wee Slab. Then she suggested I should join in with a running club.  At a 5k run down In Gransha I got talking to Creggan men, Martin Sheehan  and Gerry Duddy. They invited me down to run with Foyle Valley and that’s where I started to learn how to build up the miles.

 I have met really good friends at the club too,  like Mickey Clifford, Hugo Hegarty and Gerry Mc Daid . I finished my first ever half-marathon five years ago but never contemplated a full marathon until Mickey, Hugo and Noel Crumley suggested that that I should do the 2009 London Marathon and Gerry McDaid  committed himself to support me with my training . He had “a bit of experience” of marathons. My first ever was going to be his 96^th  full marathon.  We trained together right through the winter, in all weathers and the craic was always good.

 On the actual day of the London Marathon I was suffering from shinsplints. I was nervous too but I was focussed and there was no way I was going to pull out. Gerry ran the whole way with me, all 26.2 miles,  all five hours and seven minutes of it , keeping me going, keeping my spirits up with his banter, making sure  I had enough water. During  the last mile  as I came past Big Ben, with Big Pat printed on my tee shirt, I could hear the crowds cheering and Gerry roaring, “He doesn’t need yous cheering, he needs a hug”  I became  very emotional. Cathy was there in the  Mall , near the finish and I lingered a moment to give her a kiss.  I had made it. It was an unbelievable feeling which I will never forget.  I gave Gerry the medal and he placed it around my neck. We had started running together at 9.45 am and finished together  at 2. 52 pm. 

 I had joined the Marathon Club.

 I had raised  £1350 for the Foyle Hospice and……..  

I haven’t smoked in nine years”.

Furey Insurances 5k Series comes to a close

 Joe McAllister of St Malachy's AC in Belfast was the winner of the final race of the Furey Insurance 5K series in Ballineska 5k in a speedy 14.52. Hannah Davidson of Providence, Road Island, USA was the leading female in 17.56. Total finishers 106. This race was sponsored by Donnelly and Taggart Motors. Results Photos taken by Cathy McDermott here and here.

Well done to the organizing club City of Derry on an other fantastic series!

 Male Open

1/ Emmett McGinty City of Derry Spartans AC
2/ Scott Rankin Foyle valley AC

Male vets – Age Graded

1/ Sammy McAnanny City of Derry Spartans AC
2/ Gerry O’Doherty Springwell AC
 

Female Open

1/ Olivia Mullan – City of Derry Spartans AC
2/ Gillian Wasson – Springwell AC

Female vets – Age graded

1/ Bridgeen Byrne City of Derry Spartans AC
2/ Roisin Lynch

Male U20

1/ JP Williamson – City of Derry Spartans AC
2/ Don Rosney – Letterkenny AC

                                    Strabane 10k Road Race

Stephen Duncan won the Strabane 10k with almost a minute to spare on Pauric McKinney; Foyle Valley had 13 runners competing, with young Scott Rankin getting his own back for Carndonagh 5k by out sprinting Gavin Stevenson to take 9^th place over all! 2^nd in for Foyle Valley was Barry Smith who was closely followed by Billy Orr! Results

Reed & Mc Cambridge wins Jude Gallagher Round the Bridges 10 Mile

Declan Reed was on fine form once again to win in the northwest’s top 10 miler event! Maria Mc Cambridge had a comfortable win, finishing 4 minutes clear of her opponents! Foyle Valleys Scott Rankin had an excellent run, after racing the previous night in Carndonagh, Scott then travelled to Limavady and then took 5^th in a time of 59:02!   Results

McGinty and Doherty wins Carndonagh 5K

 Emmet McGinty & Theresa Doherty took top honours at Wednesday evenings Carndonagh 5k. It was round 5 of the 2009 Furey Insurances 5K Series. Marty Gallagher of Foyle Valley took 2^nd place and Scott Rankin won the male 20 category. The race was kindly sponsored by local firm Athlanfish (Declan McCarthy). A total of 87 athletes finished the race! Results. Race photos from Gabriel Bell here and here Cathy McDermott here and Dermot Sweeney here.

Declan Reed Wins Culmore 5K

Declan Reed was the winner of race 4 in the Furey Insurance 5k series, taking the race in the winning time of 15:42. Marty Gallagher of Foyle Valley had an impressive run to come 2^nd in a time of 16:31, Foyle ValleysScott Rankin had a good run to win the Male under 20 Category in the time of 16:58.The women’s Race was won by Springwell’s Gillian Wasson in 19:25, Results

                                                            Hillview Four

Foyle Valleys Marty Gallagher continued his recent good run of form by winning the Hillview Four Mile race on Wednesday evening last, run in hot and humid conditions over a testing hilly circuit. Indeed this occasion was a double win for Foyle Valley as Deirdre Quigg was first lady home with an excellent 29:39 posting. Gallagher began the race at a blistering pace followed by City of Derry’s Gavin Stevenson and Gerry Duddy however Valleys Gallagher managed to maintain pace and soon created a sizeable gap to cross the line on 22:10 followed by Stevenson 23:09 and Duddy 23:14. The race was organised by Brooke Park Manager Martin Mc Callion and this years benefactor was Derry City Council employee Paddy Nicell for his Ben Nevis Challenge to raise monies for the Foyle Hospice in memory of Paddy’s late mother who died in 2008. Foyle Valley as usual had strong representation at this race and other notable finishers from the club are as follows Ryan Snodgrass 24;02 Brian Kelly 24:40 Paddy Nicell 24.56 Seamus Mc Callion 25.37 Tony Grant 26.32 Micheal Huston 26.33 Mark Mc Clintock 28.38 Packy Deehan 28.40 Kevin O Neill 30.49 Damien Mc Dermott 31.28 Tony Morrison 34.07 Sinead Mc Keever 35.31 and to close the door on the Foyle Valley road show was the evergreen Kate Meehan 42.08

McKinney and McGloin win in Buncrana 5K

                                                                 Wilkies Classic 5mile run

                                                         Results

There was a strong turn out again amongst the running fraternity in Derry on Thursday 21st May last as the annual Wilkies Classic 5 mile race/5K walk organised by Foyle Valley A.C in memory of the late Colm Wilkinson got underway. Well done to all the walkers who tackled the 5 kilometre distance and did themselves proud (although we would like to see you in larger numbers next year folks as this is a great trainer in particular for the Foyle Hospice Female Walk and the Men's Two Bridges). The run took place as usual over a five mile out and back flat course where personal bests were anticipated by some of the runners. Mother Nature shone as weather conditions were superb and rain stayed safely up in the clouds. Race official Packy Deehan got the runners on their way after a short Race brief and his prediction of a great race before the off certainly came to fruition. First to cross the line is upcoming star City of Derry’s Emmet Mc Ginty with a superb 26:08 timing closely followed by M.35 champ Declan Reid (COD) 26:18. First lady home was City of Derry’s Bridgeen Byrne Moore 33:28 its great to see the return of form for this local athlete as she is a veteran of many an athletic campaign throughout Ireland. Other Category winners were James Crampsey M: 40 28:31, M.45 Damien Mc Ginty 27:17 (Father of race winner Emmet) M.50 Gerry O Doherty 29:14 & U18 winner Mathew Doherty 33:29. In the ladies section Female 35 winners Sandra Mc Keever 44:48 F: 40 winner Denise Doherty from Foyle Valley 40:40 & City of Derry’s F.45 winner Bernie Ryan 39:12. Foyle Valley would like to thank Brian Mc Menamin & Janice for use of their excellent facility and refreshments at Long Tower Club on race night. John Mc Cready & St Johns Ambulance for their excellent supervision of this race and again show our sincere gratitude to the Wilkinson Family in particular Colms wife Bernadette. The Wilkies Race Sponsors who were Gerard Mc Daid & Prime Decor, Seamus Mc Callion & Mc Lean Bookmakers, Martin Sheehan & Celtic Bar, Gabriel Bell & The Home Service, Michael Clifford & C&C Ireland Ltd and last but not least all of the Foyle Valley members, families & friends who helped in anyway to make this race the great success it annually is.        

                                             Belfast Marathon

The purple Vests of Foyle Valley were again presented at the 28th staging of the Belfast City Marathon on Bank Holiday May 4th last. Runners were blessed by weather conditions as it was overcast throughout the duration of the event with the odd shower to cool down the runners. First home for the Northwest club was that man Jackie Doherty with a superb posting of 3.06 followed by School teacher Garvin Doherty who continues to practice what he preaches as he came home with a personal best timing of 3.19, next past the post was Brian Baker who ran a terrific race to come under the 3.30 barrier with a posting of 3.28. Next home for Foyle Valley with another personal best timing was Mark Mc Clintock 3.37 followed by big Packy Deehan 3.41 to and the multi marathoner Damien Mc Dermott on 3.59 to break the sub 4 hour barrier all the more remarkable as Damien had done very little training due to injury and had only accomplished one 20 mile run in training. To close the curtain on the lads day out to the Belfast City Marathon was Kevin O Neill who crossed the line with an excellent time of 4.07 well done to everyone in Belfast and its great to see that this little dot/club called Foyle Valley in the Northwest of Ireland continues to be represented throughout the world at marathons.

                                                     Foyle Valley at the London Marathon

An undoubted highlight of the long distance running season is the London Marathon.  Sixteen Foyle Valley runners made it there this year, most under the auspices of the Foyle Hospice Fundraising Team with Noel McMonagle again playing a central role in  the organisation of this trip.

The running of Foyle Valley athlete  Marty Gallagher has been a revelation in 2009 so big things were expected of him at the London Marathon on Sunday last . Marty, running in support of the Foyle Hospice, didn’t disappoint getting round the London course in a magnificent 2.46, taking 22 minutes of his previous London time in 2008.  City of Derry veteran James Crampsie with whom Marty had put in the hours around the roads of Inishowen managed the course in an even faster 2.43. Hats off to James, the fastest Derry man in London!

Fire chief and Foyle Valley runner Billy Orr scorched home in 3.09 finishing alongside the first celebrity runner home, Nell Mc Andrew.

Foyle Valley then had a posse of runners finishing with personal bests within minutes of each other- Brian Kelly completed the course in 3.12, Ryan Snodgrass and Barry Smith both in 3.13, with Tony Grant a minute back with 3.14. John Carton may have been a wee bit disappointed with his 3.20 finish!! Tom Doherty competing his fourth London Marathon finished in 3.23 while his wife Denise tackling her first ever marathon, in London, finished with her running partner Pauline Laverty exactly an hour after Tom in 4.23. This is another magnificent effort for these debut marathon runners and indeed late entrants. Derek Harkin was pleased with a steady 3.46 while Deirdre Quigg, running in tandem with seasoned campaigner, Hugo Hegarty, made it round in 4 hours.

And what about Gerry McDaid? Gerry successfully completed his 97th marathon-you read it right; that’s 97 marathons since 1996 pushing him within sight of the holy grail of 100 marathons this calendar year- in 5 hours 7 minutes running side by side with the tenacious Pat Feeney who was taking on and sometimes struggling with the challenge of his first ever full marathon.   “Gerry stuck by me and got me round. Only for Gerry I don’t know…” reported a clearly elated and still exhausted Pat Feeney after his run.

It was tough weekend for Foyle Valley’s Michael Clifford and Seamus McCallion who both, sadly, had to withdraw because of injury and sickness respectively but who nevertheless was still to be heard from the sidelines cheering on their fellow runners.

Condolences

                       Wilkies Classic 5mile run / 5km walk

Foyle Valleys’ annual run/walk in memory of their deceased colleague Colm Wilkinson takes place on Thursday 21st May.  The course for both run and walk will be the same as previous years, along the cycle path along the river at Brandywell.

The five mile run is an accurately measured, flat and fast course which will appeal to both the serious runner and fun runner who would like to measure their progress over a fixed distance.

The course records are held by City of Derry’s  Gregory Roberts 25min 30secs, male category and Belfast runner Cathy McCourt 30min 04secs, female category.

Registration for the event opens at 6pm at the Long Tower Youth Centre which is beside the Brandywell Stadium. Both the walk and run will be set off at 7.30pm along the traffic free routes. Please allow 15 minutes to walk from the youth centre to the start area along the cycle path.

Entry fee of £6.00 will include a tee-shirt for the first 100 to enter and a goody bag for all entrants. Prizes will be awarded for the categories in the run only. All money raised will be distributed between three nominated charities, Foyle Hospice, Foyle Disability Resource Centre and Marie Curie Cancer Care N.I.

Over the past few years the Wilkies Run has helped raise several thousand pounds for a range of local charities including Foyle Hospice, Children in Crossfire and Action with Effect with usually over 60 runners and 30 walkers taking part. Foyle Valley hopes that many newcomers will participate this year to maintain the great success of the event and to support these good causes.

Foyle Valley AC would like to thank once again all our sponsors of the event: Prime Decor, Home Service, Celtic Bar, C&C Ireland Ltd and A. Mc Clean Bookmakers for their continuing support.  Also a big warm thank-you to Brian Mc Menamin and his staff at the Long Tower Youth Centre especially Jacinta and her team who provide both the registration venue and the welcome refreshments for the competitors after the events.

Foyle Valley AC hope to see a good turnout on the night for this enjoyable and worthwhile event

                                                              The Colour’s Purple!!

Ahead of the upcoming London marathon, twenty two Foyle Valley athletes, male and female made their way up to Omagh for the Half Marathon on Saturday. The race was run in almost ideal conditions with many Foyle Valley runners picking up personal bests, a tribute to the sterling coaching of Gabriel Bell who was delighted with the team’s successes.

Top of the bill, excelling himself, first man home for Foyle Valley and fourteenth overall from a field of 850 was the ever improving Marty Gallagher in a time of 1.15.33 – Marty was also the second Derry runner to cross the finishing line. 

First Foyle Valley woman to finish was gutsy Miriam McFadden running strong for her 1.41.11.

You could set your watch by Billy Orr who powered home in 1.21 .59 in the male O45 category.  Billy was followed in by Jackie Doherty achieving   an impressive1.23.38 finishing time.  Next home for Foyle Valley came Brian “Cuba” Kelly in 1.24. 49 with his running partner, Ryan Snodgrass literally

“ two seconds” behind on 1.24. 51.   Veteran Seamus Mc Callion clocked a very creditable 1.28.24 with Garvin Doherty just behind in 1.28 .46. Foyle Valley male athlete of the year, 2008, Tony Grant  was agonisingly close to breaking 90 minutes for the first time with his personal best of  1.30.02 and hot on his heels came former Bam Bam and  the Calling stickman, Tom  Doherty, drumming up another  personal best of 1.30 .18.  John Cartin finished in 1.30.45, yet another personal best with Brian Baker completing a tough run for 1.31. 55. Gareth Doherty went round the hilly course in 1. 32. 39 with Packy Deehan achieving 1.37.38 and   Mark Mc Clintock finishing in 1.41 07.  Michael Cartin went round in a steady 1.41. 48 while Derek Harkin, Mickey Clifford and Martina Mc Mullan eased round together in 1.46.17.

After her frustrating run in Omagh last year Maura Henry was more than delighted with her time of 1.52. 48 as was Denise Doherty with her 1. 52. 58 

,

“Wee” Pat Feeney, with 1. 55. 25 achieved another personal best  and goes into the London for his first ever marathon in good spirits.

                                       St Patrick’s Day 5K

City of Derry’s Emmett McGinty and Jackie McGinley were the winners of Saturdays 5k in Gransha in aid of the Foyle Hospice.

Foyle Valley had 9 runners representing the club with young Patrick Doherty leading the way in his debut for the club and distance in a time of 17:26, finishing in 10th position, followed by Declan Doherty (19:11), Chris Ryan (19:46), Tony Grant (20:05), Sean Mullan (20:14), Packie Deehan (21:52), Kevin O’Neill (23:04), Kevin Doherty (23:33) and Deirdre Quigg (23:34)

Photos by Malcolm mcCausland and Dermott Sweeney