It will forever be cherished and remembered as the day ‘the Greatest' came to town.

Muhammad Ali, the world's most famous sportsman, brought Ennis, Co Clare, to a complete standstill yesterday. Last night, the event was being compared to the historic homecomings of the county's all-conquering hurling teams in 1995 and 1997.

Twenty-eight years after his final bout, the 67-year-old received a reception from the town of his ancestors equal to any of the ovations he was greeted with when confidently strutting across the canvas.

In the early morning, people began gathering in Abbey Street car park in front of a specially erected screen to gain a good vantage point to view the proceedings from the civic reception.

Students and schoolchildren were given a half day while many workers opted for a day off.

A tight security cordon prevailed around the ceremony, but the loud choruses of ‘My Lovely Rose of Clare' from the thousands assembled in the town centre were clearly heard by the 50 assembled guests at nearby Waterpark House.

Bunting, Irish and American flags and posters hailing Ali were on display at every business and shopfront. “Welcome home Ali O'Grady” proclaimed one banner.

Keeping the masses entertained for hours beforehand on a specially erected screen in Abbey Street carpark were singers Mundy, Sharon Shannon, Tommy Fleming and the Kilfenora ceili band along with former boxer Mick Dowling.

When asked by MC Marty Morrissey who was the greatest in the world, Ennis roared with one answer — “Ali”.

Amongst the list of natives that the Banner county are proud to call their own are former Irish President Patrick Hillery, from Spanish Point, musician Sharon Shannon, of Ruan, and hurler Anthony Daly, from Clarecastle.

However, Muhammad Ali, the great-grandson of emigrant Abe Grady, from Turnpike, Ennis, yesterday became the very first person to receive the title of honourary freeman of the Clare town.

After a short delay, Mayor of Ennis, independent councillor Frankie Neylon told Ali that the visit had caused great excitement and enthusiasm at a local and international level.

“You are still the most recognisable man on earth and remain a magical figure known and loved throughout the world.

“Your success as a boxer is widely respected but your greatest triumph lies in your legacy as a champion, a leader, a humanitarian and an artist,” Mr Neylon told the assembled guests.

To roars of approval, the Ennis Mayor told Ali that his work inside and outside of the ring “truly makes you the greatest of all time” before he was presented with his scroll of freedom.

Up to 15,000 packed the streets of Ennis and cheered as his cavalcade made its way to the home of his ancestors. He was cheered across Ennis and given the fondest of farewells before making his way back across the Atlantic.