Irish ‘Homecoming’ For Boxing Legend Ali
Sep 1, 2009 4 Comments ›› Erik Wong
Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali has received a hero’s welcome as he visited the street in an Irish town where his great-grandfather was born.
Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie were greeted by giant crowds in Ennis
Ennis in County Clare held a huge day of celebrations to welcome the former three times World Heavyweight Champion to the town.
The 67-year-old who is suffering from Parkinson’s disease was made Honorary Freeman of the town and presented with a traditional scroll.
Speaking on behalf of her husband, Muhammad’s wife Lonnie Ali said: “It is a pleasure to be in Muhammad’s ancestral home and to finally know where his great-grandfather Abe Grady emigrated from.
“When you look at Muhammad’s pugilistic skills and his loquacious ways, I’m sure if his great-grandfather was alive he would swear they came from him.”
Only a handful of people were invited to the ceremony but Ali’s numerous fans were able to watch the reception live in the centre of the town.
Later, Ali traced his Irish past as he was taken to the home of his great-grandfather Abe Grady, who left for the US in the 1860s.
Reporting from Ennis, Sky’s Ireland correspondent Vicky Hawthorne said: “The highlight of the day must have been when Ali came to the very street where his great-grandfather was born back in 1840.
“He arrived to a tremendous welcome – huge crowds turned out.
“He seemed to take great pride and great pleasure in saying hello to people and posing for photographs.”
One of those who gathered to catch a glimpse of the boxing icon was Mary Grady, who lives in Ennis and believes she is a distant relative of Ali.
She said before his arrival: “We are over the moon about it and great to see him coming back to his roots and we are very proud that he is a Grady and that he is going to get his freedom of the town.”
The town council voted to honour Ali in recognition of his links to the area as well as his sporting achievements and his charitable work.
Ali has spent the last week on tour around the UK to raise money for his charities.
His visit to Ireland was seen as a major event in County Clare and organisers of the “Ali Day” also hosted a special exhibition of Ali memorabilia for visitors.
Ennis is not the only town in Ireland which lays claim to being the ancestral home of a famous African-American.
President Barrack Obama’s ancestors have been traced back to the village of Moneygall in County Offaly.
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