The Willie Neenan road race returns at end of the month

GET those walking shoes on, Millstreet Athletic Club commemorates a great legend of sport on the fifth annual staging of the Willie Neenan Memorial five mile Road Race on Friday, June 30 at 8.15pm, preceded by a walk from 7.30pm.

The 2017 staging sees participants savour the Glebe circuit again, the race promises to be a fitting tribute to Willie’s memory and his contribution to athletics over a lifetime. 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 800m 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 501500 metres in the Puerto Rico hosted World Championships.

A large entry is expected for the road race, entries online at www.goo. gl/2Puchz cost €10 and €15 on the day with a fee of €5 for walkers. Entries on the evening will be taken at the Millstreet GAA Hall. Everyone will get a finishers prize.

There are cash prizes for the top six male and ladies, 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 A.C. Man and Woman.