The journey of an International athlete is optimised by the story of Mark English in recent weeks as he chases performance in pursuit of European and Olympic qualification. Last weekend was no different as he remained in Europe to compete over 800m at Castellon Spain, an event which he won at a venue which has brought many happy outcomes for him over the years. On this occasion, Mark returned a season’s best time of 1.45.85 beating an International field once again. He has continually progressed race on race and is well encouraged by his performances. Having competed successfully on Friday night, Mark then was in transit to Belgium to the IFAM Outdoor International meet in Belgium, competing over 400m where he returned an excellent time of 47.83. Additionally at this meet Arlene Crossan, competing over 400m, returned a time of 52.82. In conclusion, Mark whose 2024 outdoor journey began in China, one hopes will conclude with participation in the European Championships in Rome and the Olympic Games in Paris.
One Finn Valley athlete whose news is not so good is that of Brendan Boyce who you will recall, picked up a hamstring injury at the World Racewalking Championships in Turkey some weeks ago, which forced him to abandon his plans on that occasion after 6k. has now been forced to withdraw from another attempt at Olympic qualifying race with his race partner Kate Veale due to this injury which in effect, closes his opportunity to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games. This is a severe blow for an athlete who has competed at the 2012, 2016 and 2020 Olympics over the 50k racewalk, an event that has since been shelved. We wish him well with his recovery and feel for him at this important juncture in his career.
Across the Irish sea in Manchester, four Finn Valley athletes were in action, the highlight being very positive return once again from Amy Greene, who posted a really excellent steeplechase time of 10.34.38, not only a massive PB but on this occasion a winning performance. Also in Manchester Oisin Toye finished 4th in the 1500m, going through the final in 3.50.64, Sean McGinley finished 5th in a time of 3.52.53 and Tristan Kelly would be disappointed with his 3000m race, 16.00.57. The next outing for these three lads will be in Belfast in 2 weeks time.
Amy Timoney raced over 100m hurdles in Chelmsford Essex on Saturday, her time an encouraging 14.06 and this sets her up nicely as she also completes in the Irish Schools finals in Tullamore this Saturday.
There was a very encouraging turnout once again for the Athletics Ireland Track and Field Live meet on Saturday, hosted by Finn Valley. With close to 400 entries, this event provided an excellent opportunity for athletes in preparation for Irish schools this weekend and Ulster Athletics Championships, again back at the Finn Valley Campus on Sunday. A number of noteworthy PBs from Oisin Thompson, Riona Doherty, Ace
Rodriguez along with James Kelly, once again reaching over 17m in the shot. Lovely to note also, the return to competition of John Kelly in the shot. There were numerous excellent performances from our young athletes and we look forward a busy day on Sunday when the club hosts the Childrens Games and the U12/13 Ulster Championships. This has a start time of 10am and please note there will be parking facilities in the fields adjacent to the track. We wish all our athletes representing a variety of schools in the surrounding areas the best of luck this coming weekend.
School Tours continue over the next few weeks on campus, with children from all across the county and beyond experiencing all that is on offer here on the Finn Valley Campus.