Willie Joe Shine

He was a legend of his time In my boyhood years he was in his prime The champion cross country runner of Boherbue Willie Joe Shine Often took the tape at the finish line Against the best he did compete He was a wonderful athlete But that was many years ago Before time did become his foe At his best when the course was wet and rough He loved it when the going was tough Never found to be wanting when put to the test He competed against and beat the best Though good memories of him with me stay So sad to learn that he has passed away He did his club Meelin and Duhallow proud And the cheering for him was often loud Humble in victory and gracious in defeat At cross country in his prime the one to beat In Cork County cross country races he often led the way Men like him are quite rare today In fancy when i visualize I see him race up the steep rise A man among athletic men he was a champion in his prime Though this is going way back in time.