The passing of Muhammad Ali has been tough to take for many of us, but since the news broke our timelines have been flooded with touching tributes from all angles to one of the greatest sportsmen who ever lived.
Ali broke barriers, made people smile, and truly excelled in his sport, and his influence extended far, far outside the world of boxing. This point was reinforced as Armagh GAA's twitter account revealed the letter that was sent to their players ahead of the 2002 All-Ireland football championship final against Kerry.
As the world mourns the passing of Muhammad Ali, we recall his letter to the '02 Armagh team. Suaimhneas síoraí air. pic.twitter.com/qG1EHRmPnX
— Armagh GAA (@Armagh_GAA) June 6, 2016
Dear Armagh player,
It is with great pleasure that I write to you today, wishing you the best of luck at the All-Ireland Football Championship Final! You have already made history and should be very proud of yourself.
I understand how much this match means to you, and am honoured if I have provided some inspiration to you along the way. But you are also an inspiration, to the thousands of people who will be watching you and have followed the Armagh team all season.
As one who has heritage from Ireland (my great-grandfather, Abe O'Grady, was an Irish emigrant), I know that the "luck of the Irish" is not just a saying! Best wishes to you on a successful match.
Your co-countryman, Muhammad Ali.
If it was meant to bring luck to the Armagh lads it worked, of course, as they claimed a dramatic win over Kerry and their first Sam Maguire.
It's so easy for those types of letters to contain a bunch of meaningless cliches but his words on inspiring the local community will definitely have hit home for those Armagh players, and the Irish anecdote was a nice personal touch.
A lovely gesture from Ali at the time, and really nice to look back on in at this moment in time.
Thanks to @Armagh_GAA for sharing.
