Willie Neenan road race returns

MILLSTREET Athletic Club commemorates a great legend of sport in the fourth annual staging of the Willie Neenan Memorial Five Mile Road Race on Friday, June 24 at 8.15pm, preceeded by a walk from 7.30pm.

The 2016 staging sees participants savour the Glebe circuit again, and the race promises to be a fitting tribute to Willie’s memory and his contribution to athletics over a lifetime.

And a great friend, Fr. Paddy Byrne, former US coach, donated a magnificent perpetual cup in memory of Willie.

For more than 60 years, Willie engaged in competitive athletics; his power packed and consistent efforts impeccably displayed and distinct trails of a man known far and wide.

Willie became the first winner in an Irish singlet of the over 65 British and Irish International Cross Country Championship and some weeks earlier he broke the Irish record over the 800mtrs middle distance in the European Championships in Cesnatinico, Italy.

Synonymous with athletics in North Cork, Willie compared the successes of 1998 to 1983 when he collected a silver medal and just a half a second from outright gold in the over 50, 1500 metres in the Puerto Rico hosted World Championships.

A large entry is expected for the road race, entries online cost €10 and €15 on the day with a fee of €5 for walkers. Entries will be taken at the Millstreet GAA Hall.

Everyone will get a finishers prize. There are €200 prizes for both first male and lady, outside of the top honours, there are category prizes for Men include over 40, 45, 50, 60, ladies over 35,40,45,50 Junior Boys and Girls, 1st and 2nd Mens/ ladies team of 4 and to the first Millstreet AC, man and woman.