Patsy in Moscow with gold medal winner Rob Heffernan
HE spent last week mentoring Ireland’s best athletes at the World Championships in Moscow.
He even had a chat with Usain Bolt about his forthcoming trip to County Donegal.
But Finn Valley’s Patsy McGonagle admitted he couldn’t wait to get home….to see a 40-year dream of a swimming pool in the Twin Towns realised.
The facility is an extension of what had currently been developed over some 30 years on the site in Stranorlar and now boosts a 25m pool, a training pool, Cryotheraphy area, Fitness suite, Multi purpose area and extensive changing including dedicated family and disabled areas.
Prior to this and current on site were 4 Astro pitches,Hall,400m track with soccer infield, rugby pitch, Bar area, Kitchen facilities, Office accommodation and a 1k grass jogging trail.
Within the last month two additional projects have begun which include development of another playing field and an extension to include enhanced kitchen and dining, conference room and Board room with both projects due for completion November.
Said the Club Chairman Patsy: “Thoughts of getting home to see the pool opened were running through my head all week. I couldn’t wait to get back even though I knew what it looked like.
“I must pay tribute to our club members who had worked with me on the project both recently and previously people such as Sean Carlin Conor Mc Gonagle, Neil Martin, Ann Marie Mc Geehin ,Bridgeen Doherty and in the early days Patsy Mc Ginley and Peader Mc Granaghan without whom this exciting development could not have been delivered.
“I also want to thank the county council’s Paul Kilcoyne who led from that side and worked extremely capably on a daily basis to conclusion.”
For current paid up members of Finn Valley ac that are interested in gym/swim 3 month,6 month or 1 year membership a discount exists.
A full and comprehensive roll out of swim related and general fitness programmes kicks off next week and with the return of children to school the opportunity to include swimming on their physical education programme.
Stunning: The new pool at Finn Valley Sports Centre