Tag Archives: Freeman of Ennis

A REMEMBRANCE service for the late Muhammad Ali will be held in his ancestral home of the Turnpike in Ennis this Friday. The service will be held on the green of the Turnpike, where just seven years ago the greatest boxer that ever lived stood and was welcomed by the people of Ennis to the town. It will take place at 7pm close to the Muhammad Ali monument, unveiled by the man himself in September 2009. Fr Ger Fitzgerald will conduct the service, which has been organised with the assistance of former councillors Frankie Neylon, mayor when Ali visited Ennis, and Michael Guilfoyle from the Turnpike. Mr Guilfoyle explained, “We wanted to be able to do something to remember him here in the Turnpike and Ennis and Friday seemed like the ideal time, as it would coincide with the funeral. It will be an ecumenical service of remembrance, a celebration of his life.” He added, “It was an amazing day, the day …

“I am the greatest.”  One of the most famous catchphrases in the sporting world will be heard no more. Muhammad Ali, three times world heavywight boxing champion, peace activist and freeman of Ennis has died at the age of 74. On September 1, 2009, Ennis came to a standstill, as crowds lined the strteet to watch Ali travel in a cavalcade to The Turnpike, birthplace of his great grandfather, Abe Grady, who left for the US in the 1860s. He was accompanied by his wife, Yolanda ‘Lonnie’ and other family members. He surprised his wellwishers when he alighted from a people carrier to unveil a plaque at his ancestor’s house. As crowds cheered ‘Ali, Ali’, he turned and – in his true showman style – took a boxing stance and thre a punch. Muhammad Ali then travelled to Waterparkhouse where he was afforded a civic reception and granted the freedom of Ennis. It was truly one of the great days in the history of Ennis. Leading the tributes in Ireland to the colourful character, President Michael D Higgins said, “Many will remember the wit, grace and beauty he brought to boxing and some will recall his visits to Ireland. …