Written by Ronan Judge

MUHAMMAD Ali may have roots in Clare but not necessarily in Ennis, according to one local historian.
In a letter to Ennis Town Council, Seán Spellissy says that he has been unable to find any documentary proof that the former world-boxing champion’s great-grandfather came from Ennis.
Mr Spellissy says Ali’s connections are disputed by author and east Clare man Ger Madden in his 2007 book, The History of the O’Gradys of Clare and Limerick.  
“I am unable to find any documentary proof of Muhammad Ali’s great grandfather, Abe being a native of the Turnpike,” writes Mr Spellissy.
He continues, “The name Abraham meaning high-father, is of Jewish origin, was revived as a Christian name amongst eastern Christians but was almost confined to Jews up to the time of the reformation.
“The use of such biblical personal names became popular within the Protestant community where it was shortened to Bram and Ham. Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), the 16th president of the United States, brought slavery to an end after the American Civil War (1861-1865).
“Many grateful Blacks, former slaves, named their free-born sons Abraham, often using the shorter version, Abe.”
Mr Spellissy states, “I was very suspicious of the personal name Abe being used in nineteenth-century Ennis or Clare when it appeared in two newspaper articles both bearing the same date, February 8, 2002…..”
Mr Spellissy has previously disputed Ali’s connection to Ennis. In November 2009, Ennis Town Council backed a motion put forward by Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) calling on Mr Spellissy to produce documentary evidence to support his claims.
Mr Spellissy writes, “I have no doubts about Muhammad Ali’s Clare roots as the O’Grady surname originated in Clare. I shall publish my sources whenever I produce either my next book on Ennis or on County Clare.
“I shall not produce a fictional story on Muhammad Ali to suit Brian Meaney. I hope he can provide me with solid proof of his assertion that Abe Grady was born in the Turnpike before I publish.”
He concludes, “I decided not to avail of an offer from The Irish Times to publish why I do not accept Muhammad Ali’s Turnpike roots as this would not reflect well on the town council’s previous judgement.
“I would also suggest that the members read pages 180, 181 and 182 of Ger Madden’s History of the O’Grady’s of Clare and Limerick (2007).”
Muhammad Ali was named a Freeman of Ennis when he visited the town in September 2009.