Muhammad Ali one of the few greats who can truly claim iconic status

It’s as if this year, the 24-hour channels have effectively turned into around-the-clock tribute-obituary shows.

First, Bowie. Then Cruyff. Then Prince. Now Ali.

A few years ago in a newspaper office Enda McEvoy, also of this parish, raised his objection to the liberal use of the terms ‘icon’ and ‘iconic’ in GAA coverage; just how many genuinely iconic figures and iconic moments could a small sport have? Pumping a fist after scoring a goal in a provincial or even All-Ireland final did not an icon or an iconic moment make.