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02/09/2009
'The Greatest' Visits Irish Roots
The one-time world heavyweight boxing champion has been KO'd by his Irish welcome.
Thousands took to the streets on Tuesday as one of the world's most iconic sports personalities paid a visit to his Co Clare roots.
Known as 'The Greatest', boxing legend Muhammad Ali attended a ceremony in Ennis, Co Clare, where he was the first person awarded the title Honorary Freeman of the town.
Ennis Town Council also hosted a Civic Reception for the three-time world champion.
Ali then enjoyed a drive through the town where he visited the birthplace of his great grandfather, Abe Grady.
Ali also visited Dromoland Castle, where General Manager Mark Nolan hosted a fundraising initiative for the Alltech-Muhammad Ali Center Global Education and Charitable Fund, which was created to help establish community-based humanitarian and educational programmes.
Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Frankie Neylon, said: "Ennis Town Council decided to make Ali an Honorary Freeman in recognition of his direct links with Ennis and the county of Clare, his unrivalled sporting achievements on the world stage, and his contribution to educational and charitable causes through his global fundraising foundation.
"The public and media interest that has been generated by this visit has been immense and I believe that the publicity surrounding it will result in thousands of additional visitors to the town."
(DW/BMcC)
Thousands took to the streets on Tuesday as one of the world's most iconic sports personalities paid a visit to his Co Clare roots.
Known as 'The Greatest', boxing legend Muhammad Ali attended a ceremony in Ennis, Co Clare, where he was the first person awarded the title Honorary Freeman of the town.
Ennis Town Council also hosted a Civic Reception for the three-time world champion.
Ali then enjoyed a drive through the town where he visited the birthplace of his great grandfather, Abe Grady.
Ali also visited Dromoland Castle, where General Manager Mark Nolan hosted a fundraising initiative for the Alltech-Muhammad Ali Center Global Education and Charitable Fund, which was created to help establish community-based humanitarian and educational programmes.
Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Frankie Neylon, said: "Ennis Town Council decided to make Ali an Honorary Freeman in recognition of his direct links with Ennis and the county of Clare, his unrivalled sporting achievements on the world stage, and his contribution to educational and charitable causes through his global fundraising foundation.
"The public and media interest that has been generated by this visit has been immense and I believe that the publicity surrounding it will result in thousands of additional visitors to the town."
(DW/BMcC)
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