IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF A GIANT

MILLSTREET ATHLETES HIT TRAIL IN MEMORY OF AN ATHLETIC GIANT

REGULAR visitors were disappointed but supportive of the decision to cancel the 8th annual staging of the Willie Neenan Memorial Road Race in Millstreet last weekend.

However club members convened for a run around the Glebe Circuit and honoring Club President Fr. Paddy O’Byrne to mark the Diamond Jubilee of his ordination.

Since its inception in 2013, the race has become a fitting tribute to Willie’s memory and his contribution to athletics over a lifetime. And a great friend, Fr. Paddy, 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 800ms 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 at just a half a second from outright gold in the over 50 1500 metres in the Puerto Rico-hosted World Championships.

Fingers are crossed amongst Millstreet AC members that the 8th staging of the big race returns in June 2021.

Ed Murphy powering home to win the Millstreet 10km Willlie Neenan Memorial 10 Mile Classic. Picture John Tarrant

Ensuring Covid Safety Compliance ahead of an internal Millstreet AC Run were Frances Ring, Maeve OSullivan and Denise Quilter. Picture John Tarrant

Millstreet AC members embark on a club run to co-incide with their intended staging of their annual Willie Neenan Memorial Road Race. Picture John Tarrant

Martina Hickey(St. Finbarrs) thrilled to win the ladies category at the inaugural Willie Neenan Memorial Road Race on her home course in Millstreet 2013. Picture John Tarrant

Donal Burke about to finish the Millstreet 10km Road Race in 2013. Picture John Tarrant

Con O’Brien, Banteer participated in the Millstreet 10km Road Race. Picture John Tarrrant

Dan Joe Guiney from Newmarket thrilled to finish the Millstreet 10km. RIGHT: The Willie Neenan Roadrace 2013. Pictures John Tarrant