Sports Academy International, the Co Clare-based sports event management company are calling on members of the public to come to Ennis on Tuesday September 1st to participate in an open air concert celebrating Muhammad Ali’s visit to the west of Ireland town.Members of the public will view the Civic Reception on a Big Screen and be able witness Mr Ali recieve his award. Along with enjoying live music from renowned Irish musical artists, Sharon Shannon and band, Mundy and the world renowned Kilfenora Ceili band. Irish sports personalities both past and present are due to be on stage to share their Ali memories and honour the man with their attendance.
Speaking at the launch of "Celebrating the Greatest - Open Air Celebration of Muhammad Ali's Visit to Ennis” in Ennis today, Sports Academy Director and Clare Hurling All Star Tony Griffin was keen to stress the importance of Ali’s visit to the Clare town. He said: “To have an iconic athlete and humanitarian such as Muhammad Ali visit county Clare cannot be underestimated. It is an event that has no comparison, apart from maybe Liam McCarthy visiting Clare in 1995. We are delighted as a Clare-based business to consult with and support Ennis Town Council on this historic event to make it a day for the people.”
There was widespread delight in the small west of Ireland town when the 67-year-old former world heavyweight champion announced he would visit the birthplace of his great grandfather during the afternoon of Tuesday, 1 September 2009. A Civic Reception, the highest honour that a Local Authority can give, will take place in the Ennis Civic Chamber, at 3pm before the Ali embarks on a drive throughout the Clare County capital, the birthplace of his great grandfather.
Tasked by Ennis Town Council to build an event for the people to honour a man of the people, Sports Academy director Tomas Madigan stated: “It has been a wonderful experience, as a company that works in sport, to plan a celebration of the people to honour ‘The Greatest’ athlete of all time. We have also been delighted with the sponsorship response in difficult times from local businesses as well as Shannon Development”.
Mr. Madigan continued: “We are opening the town of Ennis to the public to celebrate and be able to tell their grandchildren that they were there the day The Greatest” came to Clare. To enhance their experience we have gathered some of the finest musicians in Ireland as well as some of the finest athletes past and present in the country.”
