Muhammid Ali

I felt that the whole affair had too much of a corporate vibe going on. Alltech brought him here they told us. Are we to believe that Ali is stuck for a few bob to come to his ancestral home? Yes I know it was about the launch of their partnership for disadvantaged kids and all that but were they needed by his side at every turn.

Ali was stuck on camera at the civic reception, then paraded through the town like there was a bomb in the boot of his car. Of course they had to move quick to get past spectators trying to get hands in the window but it was a bit much.

And the local politicians were, as usual, a joke. Not a sight or sound from them about the jobs the mid-west is haemorraging lately but when theres an opportunity for a photo shot you can guarantee they'll be out.

But I can always say, I personally got a wave from the greatest. When everyone else went to the Turnpike I headed towards Clarecastle to the big new roundabout. As the motorcade approached, down came the window and out came the hand to wave. Nice.

ian o'doherty is one of the best journalists in the country, he tells like it is...and he's dead right with the Ali visit...it was cringeworthy