Willie Neenan's Race

There is to be a road race in Duhallow's Millstreet
In memory of the late and great Willie Neenan he was the Parish greatest athlete
More than sixty years his athletic career did span
The amazing Willie the legendary man
Cork County, Munster, Irish and World Championship medals a million miles he must have ran
Years beyond his best he outran young men full of youthful elan
The man never found to be wanting when put to the test
In his prime in track and field and cross country he was one of Ireland's best
Yet despite his major championship victories a down to earth fellow untainted by conceit
Willie Neenan loved running he just loved to compete.

Born and raised in Inchaleigh just west of Millstreet Town
To become a champion athlete his just claim to renown
As a veteran a champion though his best years long gone
Well into his seventies the great man ran on
In athletics in Millstreet he commands pride of place
In July there he will be honored in The Willie Neenan Race
And though by Cashman's Hill in St Mary's his last remains lay
His legend does live on in Millstreet today.