Our European Bronze Medal Hero
In Berlin in Germany in two thousand and eighteen
The European Championships were there to be seen
Several hundreds of athletes were there for a week
Representing their countries and each a title to seek
And in there among them all was a great Irish star
He hailed from The Déise his name Thomas Barr
Four hundred metres hurdles the run he would face
He was ranked number five going into the race
The top twelve ranked to semi finals went straight
With heats for the rest they'd then know their fate
Twelve from these heats to the semi finals would go
Joining up with the others for three semis in a row
From each semi final the first two would advance
With the two fastest losers also given their chance
For his semi final Thomas was drawn in lane five
Could he get through to the final,could he survive
His semi final began and he started off very well
As the race progressed he then seemed to dwell
Sensing the dangers he quickly increased his pace
And comfortably qualified with a fine second place
Now into the final he was drawn out in lane eight
Against a World Class field he looked really great
The World Champion Warholm was the big name
With Copella the European Champion also of fame
The final then started with Thomas up with the pace
At the final corner he was going well in third place
Then Vaiilant the Frenchman came up by his sides
And went slightly in front for four or five strides
Thomas duly responded showing all his great fight
He regained the third spot with the finish now in sight
The World and European Champion both looking fine
And that's how they finished as they crossed the line
As Thomas went past the post his big smile told it all
He had won the bronze medal he was now walking tall
With his second best ever time his prize he had won
Just reward for dedication and the training he'd done
His great deeds in Berlin filled all Ireland with pride
On and off the track those great memories will abide
We now look to the future with a special Sporting Star
He's the pride of The Déise he's our own Thomas Barr.
Fintan Walsh 10/8/2018
