Sugrue persuaded Ali to come to Dublin, and when the boxer landed, he arrived in a very different country to the Ireland we live in today.

This was to be hurling’s own Rumble in the Jungle, a seismic clash of two heavyweights in the Leinster senior hurling semi-final.

THERE can have been few more memorable moments in golf – or indeed sport in general – in recent years than the last few holes of last year’s Open at Turnberry when Tom Watson came within inches of the most astonishing comeback in the game.

There was a time well within living memory that such a contest would have dominated discussions for weeks beforehand – and afterwards.

THE great Muhammad Ali clinched his latest title when he was declared the first honorary freeman of Ennis.

James Brown’s furniture and medical bracelet fetched top bids at a New York City auction of his possessions today.

IN their record tenth successive Heineken Cup quarter-final appearance, Munster stormed the historical fortress of English rugby at Kingsholm to register a third victory away from home at this stage of the competition — another cup record.

‘THERE is always the shock in seeing him again. Women draw an audible breath. Men look down. They are reminded again of their lack of worth.’

YOU know things are getting pretty bad when you start quoting Rodney King.

IT was not so much the Rumble in the Jungle as the Choker at the Croker.

WE all know Uncle Gaybo is a broadcasting heavyweight. He’s been known to pull no punches. But soon he’ll come out of retirement and come face to face with one of the world’s most famous kings of the ring in front of a packed hall.

GLENN MCGRATH was enjoying himself. Australia were totally in control of their match with Zimbabwe and the world’s best fast bowler was relishing his customary task of mopping up the tail — the weakest of the remaining batsmen — these were easy wickets for McGrath.

American television's demands are likely to hold the key to Lennox Lewis' African adventure.

Lennox Lewis' hopes of following in the footsteps of Muhammed Ali could yet be dashed.

Lennox Lewis will make his next world heavyweight title defence in Johannesburg on April 21.

South African boxing promoter Joe Manyathi said he was asked by Lennox Lewis to stage a title fight between him and Mike Tyson in Johannesburg on July 21.