Strong Start to 2025: FVAC Athletes Shine in Recent Competitions and Training
January 14, 2025
FVAC 13 January 2025
As we return to competition, training and everything associated with the sport of athletics in 2025, we recall a mixed period over the Christmas period when athletes engaged in road, cross-country and indoor athletics both at home and abroad. Indeed, not forgetting the international athletes from the club training abroad to gain some extra training in good weather conditions as they plan for 2025. Obviously, the Christmas period was dominated by the St Stephens Day 5k with the standout performance in the mens, where we had a titanic battle between Oisín Ó Gallín and Sean Mc Ginley, both entering the track to battle it out over the last 300 m. Sean getting the verdict in a fast 14.39 from Oisin at 14.40. Attendance at the event was very encouraging with 530 on the start line, all of whom who enjoyed some refreshments and prize-giving in the club rooms after the race before heading home to continue the Christmas festivities.
More recently, Oisin Toye had a strong performance at the Mallusk cross country in Belfast last weekend, finishing 3rd with good performances also from Caoimhe O’Neill and Cian Neeson. A number of athletes competed just after Christmas in the Springwell open cross country event and Jon Joe Doherty made the journey to compete in the ultra-competitive Lough 5mile finishing 2nd.
In recent years, the indoor season for local athletes has begun with the North West Games in Athlone, promoted by Bernie O’Callaghan Killybegs and the club had some young athletes making the journey with the standout performances coming from Zak McKinley and Bonnie Devlin over 800m.
On New Year's Eve the International Podium held in Battersea Park London had Roisin and Eilish Flanaghan back competing after a long period of injury and rehab. Eilish finished 7th in a time of 16.31 while Roisin struggled, inhibited by a bout of flu this week, having to drop out at the midway point. Both athletes then headed to South Africa for a month's training at altitude and are currently based there. Other club athletes that have been abroad training include Amy Timoney and Amy Greene in Portugal and Mark English.
Hannah Murray, now a student at UCD, gave an early indication that she has returned to some form, running at an open meeting at Abbotstown Dublin in a 200m, with an encouraging 25.27. Hannah, who struggled through last season, is now coached by Shauna Carlin and one can attest to a more positive athlete.
Little Athletics restarted a new block on 8th January with a strong update from 4/7yrs. Training for 7+ is now back in full swing Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm. This is now the time to renew and update your membership with Club Registrar Neil Martin.
The Club notes the strong attendance at training sessions over the Christmas and New Year period which is always a challenge with many various other activities and distractions. So all is up and ready to go for what hopefully will be a busy and successful 2025. The club are hosting the Ulster Schools District Cross Country School Championships next Wednesday and this is the second successive year that they have done so. Organisers of this event are Nicola McPartland and Claire McGinley both on teaching staff at Loreto School and both with strong links to Finn Valley. We wish all our young school athletes the best of luck in qualifying for the Ulster Finals in a few week’s time.
