As boxing legend Muhammad Ali is laid to rest later today, the people of Wicklow fondly look back on the time Ali spent in the Garden County back in 1972. The country came to a standstill when the larger than life fighter came to Ireland for an eight day visit for a fight with Al ‘Blue’ Lewis in Croke Park on July 19. It didn’t take Ali long to win a place in the hearts of the Irish people and he has been beloved around Ireland ever since.
Muhammad Ali with schoolboy on Sport in Action (1972)
As part of his Irish trip, Ali spent a significant amount of time in Wicklow. One lucky Wicklow boy had the chance to square up to him. Do you know the identity of the mystery boy living out every young lad’s fantasy with Muhammad Ali in the picture above? The boy is a pupil of Pres Bray as is evident by the crest on his blazer. The photo from 1972 was taken in RTE studios. If you think you know who the boy with the mean right hook is, email us at info@wicklowvoice.ie.
During his time here, Ali and his entourage stayed in the newly opened Opperman’s Country Club in Kilternan, just outside of Enniskerry. Although the quiet countryside was at odds with the big city bustle that Ali was used to, he made use of his time in the Garden County. Ali was frequently spotted by locals out for runs along the picturesque roads and the world’s greatest was known to stop for a chat with locals as he passed. On at least one occasion, the Kentucky-born icon even popped in to one family home for a cup of tea.
Although the fight against Blue Lewis was relatively inconsequential, Ali’s warm personality endeared himself to the Irish public and his visit is one that will continue to live long in the hearts and memories of the people.
Muhammad Ali passed away of septic shock in Arizona on June 3 at the age of 74. He had been battling Parkinson’s disease for decades. Around 18,000 people, among them world leaders and celebrities, are expected to attend today’s funeral service in Ali’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. The ceremony will be broadcast to millions of viewers around the world.
