Tributes pour in for true athlete Willie
Millstreet legend Willie Neenan. Credit: Photo: John Tarrrant
TRIBUTES poured in this week for celebrated Millstreet athlete Willie Neenan whose unexpected death aroused sadness in his home district of Ballydaly and surrounding areas of North Cork and East Kerry.
His popularity saw friends and colleagues from all corners tender their last respects to a man known for his honesty, endeavour, kindness and friendship.
A founder of Millstreet Athletic Club, Willie maintained more than a 60 years of active interest in the sport, gaining numerous awards including being inducted into The Corkman Hall of Fame at the newspaper's annual Sports Star Awards.
Millstreet Community Council chairman Cllr Noel Buckley said the late Willie was passionate about athletics and his death came as a shock.
"The leading light of Millstreet Athletic Club, he got me involved in my younger days. Willie lived for the sport, encouraging participation and he put Millstreet firmly on the map. Away from sport, he knew every farmyard in the region through his work," he said.
Duhallow Athletic Club chairman Donie Shine said Willie was a larger-than-life character who touched the hearts of so many in sport.
"Willie was one of this country's great sportsmen. I was lucky enough to be associated with him down through the years in athletics. His competitiveness was second to none and it bore well the traits of a great participant whether in cross country or on the track," he said.
A tribute to Willie Neenan features on Millstreet Matters on Page 35
- JOHN TARRANT
