Muhammad Ali has had an emotional homecoming to the birthplace of his great-grandfather
The boxing legend arrived in Ennis this afternoon where he was made the first Honorary Freeman of the town.
The 67 year old former world champion was accompanied by his wife Lonnie, her sister and his daughter Hanna for today’s ceremony at Ennis Town Council in Drumbiggle.
While only 60 or so people were present at the event…hundreds of others lined the streets of the town and watched the reception on a large screen in the town
Muhammad Ali’s wife Lonnie accepted the presentation on Muhammad’s behalf at the civic reception and spoke of how happy they are to be in Clare:
Following a number of presentations to the Ali family from various groups across Clare, Lonnie Ali called on his Clare relatives present to come and meet him
Then in an unexpected move Muhammad Ali got out at his ancestral home in the Turnpike to wave to the hundreds of fans that had gathered to catch a glimpse of him.
A tree was planted to mark the event and plaque unveiled at the civic reception was also placed at the site of his ancestral home.
The 67 year old then made his way to Dromoland Castle for a private charity function and is expected to fly out to the US later tonight.
Meanwhile, the idea of annual Muhammad Ali festival to mark the occasion is now being muted
Former Town Mayor Michael Corley who first extended the invite to Muhammad Ali to visit Ennis is hopeful this may happen
