The Peerless Willie Neenan Poem by Francis Duggan

Though well into his seventies and his better days long gone
The peerless Willie Neenan he keeps on running on
Cork, Munster, Irish and World Championship and other medals by the score
He still runs on the roadway between Millstreet and Rathmore.

A legend of Duhallow and one of Ireland's best
He never is found wanting when he is put to the test
The peerless Willie Neenan is still racing to win
To age and the wear and tear of time he refuses to give in.

The runner for all Seasons who refuses to bow to father time
When i was a young fellow the great man was in his prime
At Cross Country and track meetings he was the one to beat
His heart as big as Clara hill this marvellous athlete.

The athletes he competed against as a young man nowadays are walking slow
But Willie is still running and his legend grow and grow
Between racing and training a million miles he must have run
In all Seasons and all weather wind, rain, frost, snow and sun.

One of Duhallow's finest that would be fair to say
And though the peerless Willie Neenan may have known a better day
Still racing and competing he will not bow to father time
He ran against and beat the best when he was in his prime.