The  seventh running of the Stranraer Half Marathon took place on Saturday 7^th June last. This popular race heralded the annual migration of Northern Irish club runners across the Irish Sea, at an ungodly early hour in the morning, to catch that ferry.

Foyle Valley was well represented again this year with eight runners who were rewarded with a beautiful, if slightly too warm,  day for a distance race. The organisers, however, provided plenty of fluid around the course to offset the  summer conditions.

Scottish runner Paul Arcari won the male event in a time of  1hr 11min 17secs. Paul received his trophy in full Highland regalia including kilt. The ladies race was won in 1hr 25mins 59secs by Dumfries runner Lisa Finlay.

The eight  Foyle Valley runners performed as follows:-

Billy Orr                               1:24:46                First O/45 Male

Derek Harkin     1:36:46

Tony Grant                         1:36:46

Tom Doherty     1:37:24

Hugo Hegarty   1:37:55

Micky Clifford   1:37:55

Mark McClintock             1:39:39                PB

Kate Meehan     1:48:39                First O/45 Female

Once again the seemingly  ageless Billy Orr  excelled coming first overall in the Male O/45 category and twelfth overall out of a combined field of  212. Lollipop lady Kate Meehan continues to fly the female flag for Foyle Valley scooping the prize for first home overall in the O/45 female category. The ever-improving Mark McClintock also secured a personal best.

It was with some consternation that Foyle Valley veteran Harry Mc Nulty heard that Joe Morrison was seen pacing a young, blond female around the course. Harry only “settled” when he was informed that the young lady in question was Joe’s daughter, Ashlene and that his hallowed  position as  trainer/paceman for all new lady distance runners who come to Foyle Valley for direction, was still safe. It was great to see father and daughter finishing together in 2:08:04.  Great also to see City of Derry runner Joe Pewtner travelling  with the Foyle Valley group and having  a steady run, completing the course in 1:45:20.

The whole day was a very enjoyable outing, with excellent craic  on the boat. The organisers in Stranraer have to be congratulated on a very well organised and friendly event. Hopefully next year Foyle Valley runners will return in even larger numbers.

This year’s sixth Wilkie’s Classic  (5mile run/ 5k walk) organized by Foyle Valley A.C. in memory of the late Colm Wilkinson (Wilkie)-and a fundraiser for three local charities: Foyle Hospice , Children in Crossfire and the Woodlands Language Unit-  took  place “out the line” in cool  damp almost ideal running conditions on Thursday night last.  City of Derry’s Aaron Doherty  hot on the heels of his record breaking  run in the Lisnagelvin 5k last week  streaked home in the men’s open in a time of 26.18   First in the women’s open, running for Belfast Harriers, was Cathy McCourt, daughter of the legendary West Belfast amateur  boxer, Jim McCourt who was cordially welcomed to the after-race prize giving in the  Long Tower Youth and Community  Centre  by Foyle Valley Chairperson Packie Deehan. Cathy finished in an excellent 31.04,  exactly a minute in front of Gillian Wasson from the Springwell club , 32.04

Second to Aaron Doherty overall  and first in the male 40 category was Colin Loughrey of the Springwell club in Limavady in 27.32.  Colin was followed  home by Paul McCafferty of City of Derry in 28.38.  The consistently impressive Billy Orr of Foyle Valley finished  first  in the  male 45 category with a time of 29.35 . Gerry O Doherty from Springwell breezed home first in the male  50  category in 29.18 while the evergreen and current All-Ireland half- marathon champion  Christy Mc Monagle(City of Derry)  romped home first  in the  male sixty  category with  a time  of 32.18. First home in the under 18 category was Kevin Harkin with a time of 37.40

Second in the men’s open category  was Letterkenny AC runner, Ciaran O Donnell  ( 30.16)  with Marty Dunleavy from City of Derry   third  in the men’s  open timed at 30.56

Letterkenny AC’s Margaret Kelly was first in the ladies 35 with  a time of 31.11  City of Derry’s  Hannah Shields in 33.04  surged home first in the   ladies 40  category while Children in Crossfire’s Bernie Ryan’s determined running saw her win the ladies 45  category finishing in 35.03

A night of highlights for north west runners  included a personal best for City of Derry chairperson Sean Laverty in a time of 28.51,  a time of  29.01 for City of Derry’s James Crampsie, times of  31.04 and 32.41 for  Foyle Valley runners Brian Kelly and respectively and Ballymagroarty schoolteacher John Meehan’s 40.36. Female highlights included: City of Derry’s Olivia McCullagh’s 32.20, City of Derry’s Jacky Mc Monagle’s 33.33 and Foyle Valley’s Kate Meehan’s 37.44.

Thirty walkers also made light of the conditions and deservedly received their medals and goody bags  from Gerry Mc Daid, Prime Décor who warmly congratulated everyone for taking part.

Lisa Feeney, Foyle Valley AC  club secretary, was quick to praise the staff and facilities at the Long Tower Youth and Community Centre : “We  are deeply  grateful to Brian McMenamin and Janice Cooper for their  continued support for the Wilkie’s run/walk. They welcome and  accommodate  the runners, provide  the use of their excellent  facilities  and help organize refreshments immediately after the run /walk as well as housing  the  prizegiving”  A nostalgic Brian McMenamin  recalled winning three races in the Highland Games out the back of Creggan in the late1950’s, earning a pound from each race, more than he earned in a week at that time in the BSR.

At the prizegiving , veteran Foyle Foyle Valley runner,Harry Mc Nulty warmly acknowledged the  sponsors who had generously supported this year’s event:  Prime Decor Northwest Ltd,  the Celtic Bar, Cantrell & Cochrane, the Home Service, Central Bookmakers and of course Shantallow Stores reminding everyone that all monies raised go the three charities mentioned above.

A word of praise too from Packie Deehan for  “Team-Tom”- the broken armed Shay Doherty who with Eilish and Aine and Niamh made sure there were a 100 goody –bags bulging and  ready for all the runners and walkers at the end of their exertions, goody bags courtesy of Michael Clifford and Shantallow Stores

Foyle Valley AC had six athletes “doing” the Belfast Marathon.

Congratulations to Mark McClintock, in his first ever marathon who went around in 3.37- all that steady winter training paying off for him. Lollipop lady at St Eugene’s PS , Kate Meehan took a  legendary 12 minutes of her previous best time completing her run in 3 50.23- a brilliant performance. Kate was ably  supported by Harry Mc Nulty looking “aggravatingly fresh”  after his 40^th marathon. -And they say “life begins at forty”-  Very well done also to Gareth Doherty, round in 3.29, Garvin Doherty in 3.40 and club chairperson, Packy Deehan who finished in 3.57.  A word of praise too for friends of Foyle Valley, Damien McDermott  round in 3.53 and Adrian Mc Alary round in 3.43. 

Antrim Borough Council in conjunction with a local running club have organised a trail race and family fun run event at Tardree Forest, Antrim on Thursday 15 May at 7pm. I have attached a poster and registration form for the event and would appreciate if you could inform the members of your club of this event. If anyone is interested in taking part they can either print out a copy of the attached form or contact myself and I can forward them a copy in the post. Pre-registration is not essential as participants may register on the evening of the event.   

 If you have any queries or require further information on the event please do not hesitate to contact me T:9446 3113

Many thanks for help and co-operation

 Joanne Ferguson      TardreeTrail.pdf

Purple Rain    

I never meant 2 cause u any sorrow
I never meant 2 cause u any pain
I only wanted 2 one time see u laughing
I only wanted 2 see u laughing in the purple rain

Purple rain purple rain
Purple rain purple rain
Purple rain purple rain

Its hard to credit unless you’re involved.  Saturday  29th March,  9.30 am,  a packed  Foyle Valley -organised hired bus is leaving  the Templemore Sports Complex for the Omagh Half Marathon ( incorporating the Athletics NI Half Marathon Championships.) There’s  at  least fifteen Foyle Valley athletes on board  as well as friends and fellow runners. Foyle Valley’s Harry Mc Nulty is already away up  the road in his cherry  Avensis  with  Rita Carlin  and Noreen Hyndeman.

The banter on the bus  is  of training schedules,  personal goals, times, tactics, injuries overcome,  memories of previous runs,  memories of previous lives before running, craic,  banter, slagging, the Derry City result the night before, “where the weans are “,  the Creggan contingent at the back of the bus in fine fettle.  

Big Billy Orr is “for” the London  Marathon  on April 13th as are Tony Grant  Marty Gallagher and Ryan Snodgrass. They’re going to “ run” Omagh not  “race” it , saving themselves for London.  Tony  Morrison has set a “private” personal best target of one hour fifty . Pat Feeney and Marian Curran are looking at “two hours” knowing that Omagh is  hilly and not the easiest of courses.  Kate Meehan is in good form and quietly confident- so would I be if I were the “fastest lollipop woman in the west”.  Bernie Ryan’s not sure about what time to aim for but has reputation for “coming good” on the day. Look at her time in Dublin last October after an indifferent few months training. Her husband Chris is aiming  to come home inside ninety minutes. He’s “going for it” . Harry has committed to “mind” Rita and Noreen making sure they manage the course.

At eleven o’clock, the Omagh Leisure Centre is packed and buzzing :  so many people,  male  and female athletes, partners of athletes, children, fun runners,  the bright colours of different running clubs,  runners pinning their numbers on carefully, old friends meeting up, sisters and  City of Derry athletes, Jackie McMonagle  and Paula McGilloway chatting away , Derry men Noel Brown and Martin Bell running to raise funds for the PSP charity ( Progressive Supranuclear Palsy). Martin’s daddy –“Dinger”  Bell died from this cruel  degenerative disease -and together, Martin and Noel, through their run, have raised £2000 for the charity. The atmosphere in the centre  is light, brisk, busy and  happy,  no matter the mizzling  rain and the dark clouds  outside

Purple rain Purple rain Purple rain Purple rain

At 12 noon they’re off.- eighteen purple vested Foyle Valley athletes amongst the seven hundred plus runners and walkers surging past the start line,defying the rain.

Billy Orr was first Foyle Valley runner home in 88 minutes  but was disappointed- he’d run too fast!   Perhaps more disappointed was Chris Ryan, home in 92 minutes, just missing his  target time two minutes. Marty Gallagher and Ryan Snodgrass circumnavigated the course together finshing comfortably in ninety three.  Mark McClintock raised his arms in personal triumph as he ran over the finish line in a fine one hour and forty one. Bernie Ryan-see what I mean-  came through strong in one hour forty four. Tony Grant and Foyle Valley friend, Damien McDermott sidled round at their ease in one hour forty six with  Miriam McFadden, after disrupted training, finished just behind them in one hour forty seven. Kate Meehan licked her previous times with a new personal best of one forty nine. Sweat lashing off him, Tony Morrison also achieved  a personal best, a lung busting one hour and forty nine minutes,ten minutes faster than his previous best set  in Lisburn last year. Who says taxi men prefer a sedentary lifestyle?   Rita  Mc Glinchey was delighted  to cruise home on her first ever marathon in one hour fifty five. Kevin O’ Neill went about his business quietly coming home  in a “handy” two hours.  Pat  Feeney and Marian Curran hadn’t the run  they would have  hoped and still came home more or less  smiling in two hours and one minute. Only in training for her first half marathon since January,  Sinead McDermott suprised herself finishing in two hours and three minutes  Gutsy Maura Henry completed this tough course in two hours and five minutes.  Harry McNulty after running for ten miles with Rita had double-backed, a mile and a half   to find Noreen Hyndman and together they finished in two hours fifteen, Harry having run an “idiosyncratic” 16 mile half- marathon

And what of Derry men Noel Brown and Martin Bell ? They finished to great whoops of support from  wives, weans and  Mrs Bell. Their run may have been about far more than “doing a  time” but they finished in a very respectable two hours and two minutes. No red face then Noel!

A  squad of Foyle Valleys Athletes  are currently firmly focussed on their upcoming participation in the London Marathon, most of them also running to raise funds for the Foyle Hospice.  Creggan man  Ryan Snodgrass is in “good nick” for London and still  found  time to organise a fundraiser  in the Crescent Bar to coincide with the Saint  Patrick’s  weekend celebrations. Brian Baker is running stride for stride with Ryan, both of them earning praise from coach Gabriel Bell who reckons they’ll  make it round London in a “handy” three hours twenty . The pair are hoping he is not tempting fate. Other runners, with London currently in their sights, are the fast improving  Lisa Feeney  who baffled her  personal trainer , one Harry McNulty, with her fierce-some performance during the second half of her Dublin Marathon run last October coming back in seven minutes faster than on her outward thirteen miles. Harry “took no credit” - “It was all down to Lisa on the day” . Also doing the “big miles” and “walking funny” off a Saturday evening are Tony Grant, a veteran of many’s a marathon,  completing both  last year’s London and New  York,  busy bricklayer Derek Harkin,  ex- Bam Bam and the Calling  drummer Tommy Doherty who has  swopped his drum kit for his Saucony trainers, the indefatiguable firefighter  Billy Orr ,  speedster Brian Kelly, club captain Hugo Hegarty, Martin Gallagher, Slim Jim Mc Guinness, Liam Hamilton and Kevin O’Neill (winners of the coveted Marathon Draw entries). This year’s  London Marathon  takes place on April 13^th.

The  brand- new  Foyle Valley website has been well received by local runners.  Have a look yourself  at  http://www.foylevalleyac.com/

Already Foyle Valley are putting into place the necessary arrangements for this years Wilkie’s Run, a five miler, “out the line”, scheduled May 22nd. This run is organised by Foyle Valley, with the Wilkinson family, to commemorate the late Colm Wilkinson.

Saturday, 15^th March saw Bernie Ryan, Packie  Deehan , Kate Meehan, Declan Doherty, Kevin O Neill and Eamonn  Baker all put in creditable performances at  the Paula Mc Gilloway  organised annual 5K St. Patrick’s Day run at Gransha Park.  Packie  in 20.50 led home the Foyle Valley contingent closely followed by Bernie Ryan in 20.58, with Declan Doherty, after a punishing run,

home third for Foyle Valley in 21.56.  Eamonn Baker(“Uncle Albert”) clocked 21.59, Kevin O Neill 22.36 and Kate Meehan, readying herself for the Belfast Marathon, went round in 22.51

This  5K run had all the  warm atmosphere of a family affair with a children’s IK staged  just  before the adult race.with the children enthusiastically shouted home by their families and supporters.  Full marks to Paula and indeed Paul McGilloway for organising what was a welcoming smoothly run event with funds raised going to the Foyle Hospice. The spot prizes were an added bonus!  Just ask Declan Doherty!

Wed 16th April - Bay Road - University of Ulster Magee NEW

Wed 14th May   - Lisnagalvin -  WB Thompson and Co.

Wed 28th May – Buncrana - Furey Insurances

Wed 11 June - Balliniska - Atlanfish

Sat 28th June - Culmore Festival

July – Date  TBC - Jog in the Bog

Sat 2nd Aug - Muff Festival

All races 7.30 start except Culmore and Muff Festivals – Provisionally 2pm start.

Prizes for each race

1,2,3 male/female (£30,20,10)

Also 1st male/female in U20, V35,V40,V45,V50,V55,V60(£10 Each)

Mystery Prize Draw at each race

For those who complete 5 out of 7 races a high quality Series t-shirt.

Entry fee is £5 stg/€7 per race.

Overall Series cash prize(Best 5 performances count)

1st, 2nd Senior

1st/2nd Vets (Age Graded)

1st/2nd Junior U20

Men/Women

Other Club Summer Road Fixtures

Tue 19th Aug - Buncrana Mile NEW

Tue 26th Aug – Dessie’s 5 mile

For further Series information contact

Gerry Lynch on 07736213153 or

Eoghan Furey on             00 353 879474883        or eoghanfurey@gmail.com

Despite some early fears for Saturday’s Roe Valley Country Park Trail Run, the Springwell AC organisers were rewarded with a good turn-out of hardy souls (soles!) for their annual race. The harsh overnight conditions did not keep the 99 finishers in the different categories away or indeed their supporters. The overnight snow which had threatened the event was mostly gone by the time of the first race at 12pm.

The 6.7km course was in relatively good condition with just a few soft spots to test the legs. Testier was the surprise introduction of a 400metre hill at the 1 mile mark on the old route. The hill track had a lot of runners digging really deep in the early part of the race. The second half of the race wound its’ usual undulating path through the Country Park but culminated in a rather nasty 150metre zigzag path up out of the river valley at an incline which fell just short of needing a rope!

Foyle Valley had 11 runners at the event with some taking part in only their first trail race.

Ladies first, Bernie Ryan was 4^th vets ladies home and secured the Female o/45 prize. Kate Meehan displayed her usual gutsy performance and was second in the Ladies o/40 category. Their times were 32mins 05secs and 36mins 35secs respectively.

Ryan Snodgrass was the only entrant in the Male Open race. In a quality field lead in by Northern Ireland International Brian Campbell in 23:03 followed by Derry’s Diarmuid Grant in 23:23 with 3^rd place going to Irelands former National Marathon Champion Gary Crossan from Letterkenny in 23:43. Ryan was well placed mid table with a time of 28:41.

Male O/40 had Hugo Hegarty and Michael Clifford cross the line together in 32:20 to finish strongly. Billy Orr had another good outing to take 2^nd place in the O/45category in 25:48. He was followed by Foyle Valley colleagues Liam Ryan 31:05, Kevin O’Neill 35:15 and making their trail run debuts, Pat Feeney and Tony Morrison who dead heated in 35:20 despite a fight to the line. It was a joy to watch the boys!!

Joe Morrison O/50 is continuing to enjoy his return to injury free running and fitness. Joe completed in 31:10 to give Liam a fright.

Congratulations to Springwell for another excellent event and well done to everyone who took part.

HI Everyone, Paula McGilloway will be holding a St Patricks Day 5K Run on Saturday 15th March at Gransha @ 11:00am + Kids 1K run at 10:45am, so why not bring the kid's and give it a go everyone welcome. All proceeds going to Foyle Hospice .

Congratulations to Foyle Valleys Billy Orr who struck Gold in Glenariff Forest Park by securing the M:45 title on a cracking time of 38:12 over the tough and undulating 5.8 mile distance which peaks at 1000 metre. This gets 2008 off to a flying start for the big  L,Derry Fireman as well as his Running/Work colleague Joe Morrison who after a long injury lay off posted a very respectable 47:04 timing well done to both purple vests.                                     

Congratulations to Foyle Valleys Bernie Ryan who recently won the F:45 title at the annual 5 Mile Boxing Day Race at Greencastle what a great end to 2007 and lets hope that there will be even more Silverware in 2008 for Bernie and some of the other club girls at Foyle Valley.

Well done to all the Foyle Valley Boys/Girls who braved the elements for the annual Charity Christmas Run/Swim to Lisfannon, not for the faint hearted well done folks!

Sammy Mc Ananey, James Crampsey & Gerry Duddy in action at the Comber Cup Sat 20th Oct

There was a fantastic turn out at the Buncrana 5Km race on Wednesday 30th May, incorporating both the Furey 5Km series and the donegal grand prix. The condition were perfect and the course fast, but of course it was the quality of training and effort that gave a number of Foyle Valley runners PB's. The first 3 over the line were awarded prizes as was the first overall vet and u18's. 1st in the men's race was Kevin Seaward (St. Malachy's) in a course record of 14m 44, 2nd Pauric McKinney (Letterkenny) 15m 17, with Allan Bogle in 3rd (City of Derry) 15m40. In breaking 15m Kevin Seaward recieved a well deserved 100 euros.  The women's race was won by Cathy McCourt (Belfast Harriers) in 17m59, 2nd Grainne Neary (City of Derry) Grainne is under 18 and 3rd Jacqueline McMonagle of City of Derry in 19m 43. First home for Foyle Valley was Damien McGinty (5th)16m 3, closley followed by Declan Reed coming in 6th in 16m 7. Bernie Ryan was first home for Foyle Valley women in a pb of 20m 38. The rest of the results are as follows.

14th Sammy McAnaney 16m 46, 18th James Crampsey  16m 59, PaddyMoore 17m 9, Billy Orr 17m 17, Philip Bradley 17m57 (pb), Declan Doherty 18m7,

 Paul Morton 18m58, Hugo Hegarty  19m6, Joe Morrrison 19m50, Ryan Snodgrass 19m53, Joe Pewtner 20m5,(pb) Brian Kelly 20m23, Bernie Ryan 20m38, Tony Grant 20m53, Liam Ryan (and son) 20m57,  Pack Deehan 21m41,  Louis Coyle 22m10, Lisa Feeney 23m11, Damian Quigley 23m25, Kate Meehan 24m, Patricia Morrrison 33m22. A brilliant turn out for Foyle Valley.

Wilkies Classic 5 Mile Race 24^th May 2007.

On Thursday night Foyle Valley AC hosted the 5^th running of the ‘Wilkies’ 5 miler along the cycle path at Brandywell.  On a good night for runners 65 competitors lined up for the start. 

Different to previous years when one or two runners left the pack and decided the race between them, a group of five including father and son competitors Damian and Emmet Mc Ginty, played a tactical game at a relatively cautious pace up to the turn at 2.5 miles. They turned at just under 14mins which at that pace would have been the slowest recorded result in the event history.  However on the leg home the gloves came off and the return was made in just under 12.5 mins.

 Congratulations went to Alan Bogle of City of Derry Spartans who finished in a time of 26mins 29secs, 15 seconds ahead of last years winner and course record holder Greg Roberts also of City.  Third place went to Foyle Valleys Damian Mc Ginty who was also the 1^stin the Male 45yr Category. Paddy Nicell of Foyle Valley was the 1^st Male 40yr finisher with Peter Lilburn taking the Male 50yr category and City of Derry vet Christy Mc Monagle showing some form to take the Male 60yr category. City of Derry under 18yrs athlete, Michael Finnegan came in 12^th overall in a time of 29mins 36 secs to take the U18 prize.

In the ladies race it was another City of Derry runner Jackie Mc Monagle who led the way to mirror her win in 2005

with a quicker time of 33mins 14secs.  Second lady was Foyle Valleys Bernie Ryan who was 1^st in the Female 40yr category. Foyle Valleys Leanne Mallett was 1^st in the Female open race. This was her first competitive road race since her switch from swimming.  The organising club Foyle Valley would like to publicly apologise for the mix-up in the ladies results which resulted in Jackie Mc Monagle not being presented as the Ladies race winner at the presentations afterwards. A sincere apology is also due to those who were embarrassed by our mistake. We hope Jackie will come back to make it a hat-trick of wins next year. All results are available at www.foylevalleyac.com.

 Many walkers also took part in the sister event which is a 5 kilometre walk in the opposite direction to the runners. Their support for what is a charity event is greatly appreciated. Foyle Valley would like to thank our sponsors, Texac (Bridgend) the Celtic Bar,Prime Deco, Central Bookmakers and Cantrell & Cochrane for their contuinuing involvement with the race. Also thanks to Brain McMenamin & Janice ffrom the Long Tower Youth Club who provided the venue for the registrations & presentations not forgetting the tea & biscuits for the runners & walkers after the event.

 Hope to see as good a turnout if not better in 2008.

On Saturday 3rd March over a hundred runners put there toe's to the line for Albertville’s 5 miler. The race was up front with Paul Rowan and David Morwood battling throughout only for the Willowfield man to come out on top clocking a good time of (25:25) with David 5 seconds adrift. North Belfast M. Meade (29:08) took the woman’s race with City of Derry's Ann Paul crossing the line in (30:13) to take second.

A number of FV members made the trip, First home for the purple vest's, Club Captain Billy Orr (27:46)  which gave him 1st O/45, followed by James Crampsey (28:48), Gary O'Donnell (29:04), with Sammy McAnaney (29:09) taking 1st O/50. Then on Sunday across the water, Foyle Valley's Martin Sheehan raced over 10 miles in Blackpool, with the weather not so favourable he fought to cross the line in (1:02:57) 25th over all. Well done to all.

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