Foyle Valley strike Silver in senior men’s category
The impressive Finn Valley facility at Stranorlar was the venue for the 2011 Donegal 5k Road Championship. The course was a testing single loop around the twin towns with a finishing lap in the fantastic new championship track. Conditions weren’t helped by the fresh breeze and times were slower than many hoped for. The rain stayed away which was bonus for all.
Letterkenny AC dominated proceedings from the start wrapping up the individual and seniors men’s team prize recoding the top four finishes. Ciaran Doherty (15:19) finished just ahead of the evergreen Pauric McKinney (15:28) and Danny Mooney (15:33) and Christopher Johnston (15:52) just pipped Foyle Valley’s Scott Rankin (15:55) for fourth.
Next home for the valley was Keith Shields (16:38) for a top ten finish and Cathal McLaughlin (16:41) took the M40 gold and was next home for his usual date with the medical staff.  Finn Valleys first three men were home in (16:01), (16:33) and (17:15). Paddy Mahon (17:43) produced a gutsy display on his competitive debut as he held off Finn Valleys fourth and final scoring man who crossed the line in (17:45).  This gave the Valley a narrow margin for silver. What a debut for the new man!
Ryan Gallagher showed a good return to form in testing conditions and brother Richard (19:02) kept the purple flag flying high with a good finish.
Finn Valley dominated the senior womens event with four ladies in the top six. City of Derry’s Catherine Lilburn (19:34) had a third place finish for bronze.
151 athletes competed on the day. Compliments to all at Finn Valley for a great event and wonderful facilities for all to enjoy and the tea, sandwiches and biscuits were plentiful and welcomed by all. Thanks again to all at Finn Valley.  Next up for us all is Marty’s run in memory of our late much missed colleague Martin Gallagher.

Results