Boxing legend Ali traces roots to Irish town

[JMac]

DUBLIN — Boxing legend Muhammad Ali is on a sentimental journey to see his little-known Irish roots.

Tens of thousands are awaiting the three-time world heavyweight champion's arrival Tuesday in the western Irish town of Ennis, the home of Ali's great-grandfather Abe Grady. Fans have adorned shops and streets with posters of Ali and red, white and blue USA bunting.

They plan to watch live on TV screens as the Ennis council names Ali as its first "freeman," a civic honor.

Grady settled in the United States in the 1860s and married a freed African-American slave. One of their grandchildren, Odessa Lee Grady Clay, was Ali's mother.

Genealogists established Ali's Irish links in 2002, but Ali — who is 67 and suffering from Parkinson's disease — has never visited Ennis before.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

[stujones]

He looked much better than he did when he went to Hatton's gym. Even Sparring with the camera!!!! Smiling and with the twinkle back in his eye.

[Loynesy]

Perhaps he'd had a drop of the black stuff.

Ennis really is a timewarp town, its like something from the 60s.

[exittored]

He looked much better than he did when he went to Hatton's gym. Even Sparring with the camera!!!! Smiling and with the twinkle back in his eye.

Yeah thats what i thought too

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=443996 ... id=2491554

I think he probably has good days and bad days and this was one of the good ones thankfully. Sounds like the whole town came out to see him and you can tell ALI is moved to be visiting the place where part of his family background is from.