Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Muhammad Ali
Date: Sat 4th Jun, 2016 | 09:07
4 June 2016
"The passing of Muhammad Ali will have been heard with the greatest sadness by Irish people of all generations.
Many will remember the wit, grace and beauty he brought to boxing and some will recall his visits to Ireland.
All over the world people also flocked to hear him offer his view on the achievement of democracy and particularly equal rights when they were so strikingly missing in some of the richest countries of the world.
He brought his message of freedom and respect for people of all races to all the continents of the world.
As a sportsman and humanitarian, and as someone who struggled for a very long time with one of the most debilitating illnesses, he offered courage in the face of great difficulties.
He was intent on going on communicating right to the very end.
He will be missed not only by his close friends and family but by those who heard him and were influenced by him, all over the world."