Finn Valley AC outline further developments at Jubilee Draw

Finn Valley AC are to embark on further development at their base in Stranorlar.

The club, which is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its formation this year, has earmarked a series of improvements to their impressive facility.

Finn Valley AC will construct new changing rooms, with planning permission already secured for those works.

A new pole vault area will be developed, a steeplechase water jump is to be added to the track and a new throwing cage will also be installed.

“We need further development to progress further and this draw sets the trend for more improvement,” Finn Valley AC Chairperson and former Irish Athletics Team Manager Patsy McGonagle said on Friday night at the Finn Valley AC Jubilee Draw.

“This is our 50th year and it’s a big deal for us.

Anne Marie McGeehan was the winner of the top prize of €3,000 in the big draw. Stephanie Connolly and Roisin Temple each won €2,000 while Mr & Mrs Hugh Browne collect €1,000.

Finn Valley AC club members Ramona Gallagher, Rosaleen McGonagle, Barry Gallagher and Maggie Doherty drew the winning tickets.

Since its formation in 1971, Finn Valley AC has returned 434 national gold medals and the club has become one of the most successful - and now they are aiming for more.

“We don’t want to stop there and we want to keep going forward,” Finn Valley AC Jubilee Draw co-ordinator Mark Connolly said.

“It’s a great story we have here at Finn Valley AC. I wasn’t here for the beginning, but I want to thank the people who had the plan and put it together.

“This club has been an exceptional success. The opportunities given to the young people of this area are second to none and the facilities here are second to none.

"If you travel the length and breadth of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, you won’t find another club that owns its premises the way we do.

“Little did people know who introduced Sergey Bubka to the pole vault all those years ago that he would win six World titles, win the Olympic Games and set 35 world records. That happened because he got an opportunity.

“We want every athlete coming through here to have an opportunity. Then, it’s up to them, the athlete, their parents and their coaches.”

A book commemorating the 50 years of Finn Valley AC will be released next month.

Finn Valley AC Jubilee Draw Winners

€3,000 - Anne Marie McGeehan

€2,000 - Stephanie Connolly

€2,000 - Roisin Temple

€1,000 - Mr & Mrs Hugh Browne