We are into the action, yes a really strong start from Roisin Mc Gettigan and the attitude she brings to a race is really encouraging. Not overwhelmed anymore by this scene as she explained to me when I picked her up from the finish area last night. So she's in tomorrows final.
Fionnuala Britton gave it her all, a seasons best, and in the years ahead we may see this athlete in a marathon come London. Alistair was in a slow 1500m which kicked in a last lap, 51 secs , which he was unable to handle but I was encouraged by the manner in which he engaged and if he can clear a niggling hamstring injury by next Wednesday do not write him out of the script.
Up early this morning, I should sleep. In the warm up area for a 9 am start with Robert Heffernan, as he wishes people to call him and isn't he right. That's what his mother christened him. An athlete competing in an event such as this is up to eat and prepare at 6 am and in the case of Pauline Curley tomorrow it's a 7:30 start, up and about at 4 am. Put that in your pipe and smoke it . The walk went really well, 8th overall, a tremendous result. His reaction I would sum up as satisfied, but slightly disappointed. Which is the way to go as at 15k you could have thrown a towel over the leaders, including Robert, but when the boot was put in at that point the field was scattered. This guy is 30, good enough to stake a claim for major Games medals all the way to London.
Joanne Cuddihy is a story of survival. Competed at just after noon in the 400m, has coped with injury since April and this beat her. As a competitor capable of making the final it did not deter her from going to the start line to claim her olympic spot which she clearly deserves. Of course there were tears. Joanne is capable of winning the European championship in Barcelona 2010 should she decide to pursue that goal. As medical studies that have been put on hold need to be addressed. That's it on the competitive side.Three boxers still closing in on medals as I type this and exciting days ahead in athletics hopefully. The time will fly now. Was sitting in the canteen early today, you will imagine that I never leave this canteen, when along came Michael Phelps. Now he didn't come over and say how are they all at Finn Valley, nor indeed did he say is Neil Martin and Patsy Doherty still running, but just to watch him calmly go about the start of another day was interesting. They come in all shapes and sizes. From absolute giants from the world of volleyball, basketball, etc. ,to strong weight related guys, to small people most likely gymnasts. 10,000 of the most talented people in the world in one place at the one time, Beijing.
Talking of Beijing I have never experienced anything like this facility, the stadium, the warm up, and ancillary facilities. Thought Sydney was going to be the best ever, now it's a script that I will have to rewrite . Walked back from the stadium last evening very interesting. London and any future olympics will have a lot to do to equal this in so many respects.
Its the nature of the animal I suppose that I am beginning to consider how can we improve our programme back at home in a changing world to prepare for not just London but beyond. The minister visited the village the last day and there is certainly a serious onus of responsibility on his shoulders to fight for a strong budget for sport in a depressed economy. And on the Sports Council, who are represented here by olympic medallist and CEO John Treacy, that they get clear value for money for their investment in sports groupings. (Pictured: A long way from Ballybofey! Pierce O Callaghan and Patsy at IAAF technical meeting)Finally one of my coaches here is Anne Keenan-Buckley, who as a young girl I remember on a Ballyfin team coached by Jimmy Finn. My memory for those early days is vivid, that used battle with Finn Valley. Indeed I have one clear memory of a race in Maynooth, might have been 1974, the national intermediate, a thrilling contest and Susan and Bridgeen Doherty, Doreen Gallagher and Mary Ann Mc Gowan would have been on duty for Valley at that time. Anne has since continued to capably manage the national cross-country teams and competed in Soeul olympics 1988. So it's certainly encouraging having her here and a link with a world of cross country long ago.
Sorry to hear the bikers were washed out of it as events and people related to events is the future of our area bringing people in in all its different guises. Hopefully it's something either the Finn Valley community or the Donegal County Council will actually do something about at some point, namely the appointment of a events manager to lead and develop same. Looking forward to getting this job done, hopefully with a successful outcome and straight into training for the winter months, all hands on deck.
Patsy mc Gonagle
Senior/Olympic team manager
Athletics Ireland
0872226112
http://www.finnvalleyac.com
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