This article is from page 10 of the 2011-08-16 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
THE people of Turnpike are preparing to celebrate the homecoming two years ago of their most famous son, Muhammad Ali.
The former three time world champion boxer and one of the most charismatic and brilliant sportsmen made a famous visit to Ennis in September 2009. At the time Ali was named the first Honorary Freeman of Ennis in recognition of his career achievements and his ancestral links with the Clare county capital.
Over 15,000 people watched ‘The Greatest’ receive a Civic Reception before embarking on a drive through the streets of Ennis and a personal visit to the ancestral home of his great grandfather Abe Grady.
Though issues surrounding the rights to the Ali name and trademark mean the celebration will not be an official event, Turnpike residents and businesspeople are aiming to organize a community fun day to mark the day when Ali took an unplanned walk around the area two years ago.
Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind), who is helping to organize the event on August 28, says local groups and performers including the Ennis Brass Band will take part on the day.
Roads in the area are expected to be closed off to facilitate the celebration, which is being held on the same day a vintage car rally organized by Ennis man Peadar White is expected to pass through the town.
Ennis Town Council proposes closing a section of the Limerick Road and the Turnpike Road (from its junction with Dalcassian Drive L4530 to the St Clare’s Close entrance) on Sunday, August 28, from 3pm to 6pm.
Last year, Irish boxing legend Barry McGuigan planted a tree in an area of ground close to sculpture commemorating the first anniversary of Ali’s visit to Ennis.
The former world featherweight champion later took part in a public interview conducted by broadcaster Caimin Jones at Glór.