05/09/2026
Luke Kelly V Muhammad Ali
It was 1972. The last time a boxing match was held at Croke Park. The Dubliners were there, they provided the entertainment for the crowd. Back in Ali’s hotel, Luke was ushered in for a private audience, the opportunity to shake the great man’s hand, he couldn’t resist. Few could compare to Ali when it came to fighting but nobody could beat Luke Kelly when it came to singing. So if Ali wanted a song, Luke was your man, but Ali had other ideas and instead took the opportunity to sing Luke an old gospel favourite. Ali obviously made some impression on Luke for when he left the room he turned to his friend and said, ’I ain’t washing this hand for a month!’
