[Dublin, IRELAND] – The man affectionately known as “The Greatest” has visited the site where his great-grandfather departed for the state of Kentucky in the USA, in search of a new life.
Photo: Alltech Staff
Muhammad Ali accompanied by wife Lonnie, Marilyn Williams his sister-in-law, and Dr. Pearse Lyons, President of Alltech greet Liam Mulcahy, a boxing fan, during the trip to Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland.
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Muhammad Ali, the iconic three-time World Heavyweight Champion, humanitarian and global icon, arrived in Ireland on Sunday, August 30th – to commence what was a whirlwind visit to these shores. The purpose of his and his wife Lonnie’s visit was to inspire awareness and support for the recently established Alltech-Muhammad Ali Center Global Education and Charitable Fund and the Muhammad Ali Center (www.alicenter.org) in the Alis’ hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, USA. Ali’s visit in Ireland included a dinner in his honour in Dublin on Monday night followed by an emotional appointment in Ennis, Co. Clare on Tuesday, where he was bestowed with the Freedom of the town.
His visit to Ennis was something the sporting legend was hugely excited about. Speaking before the visit, Greg Roberts, president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center said, “Muhammad is delighted to have the opportunity to travel to Ireland to raise awareness about the Alltech-Muhammad Ali Center Global Education and Charitable Fund and the Ali Center. For Muhammad to visit the site where his ancestors lived and to receive the Freedom of the town of Ennis is something that is deeply humbling to him as he has such a keen interest in his roots. We have also been pleased to work in partnership with Dr. Pearse Lyons and Alltech who have made it possible for Muhammad to return to Ireland. Both Lonnie and Muhammad are enjoying their stay in Europe and look forward to continuing their philanthropic work.”
Mr. Ali’s visit to Ireland was facilitated by Alltech (in conjunction with the Muhammad Ali Center) the Irish-owned global animal health and nutrition company which employs 2,000 people in more than 113 countries and is headquartered in Kentucky, Ali’s home state. Founder and President of Alltech, Dr Pearse Lyons, said, “Muhammad Ali is one of the most inspirational figures of recent times and it is wonderful that he took the time to travel to Ireland to receive this special honour. It is especially pleasing that we at Alltech can help raise the profile of the Alltech-Muhammad Ali Center Global Education and Charitable Fund during this trip as the dinner we hosted on Monday evening will benefit this cause”.
For further information regarding Muhammad Ali’s trip to Ireland please contact Christina Lombard: Telephone: +353 1 802 6259; Email: clombard@Alltech.com.
High resolution photographs are available through the Associated Press.