Ireland on Sunday is our monthly showcase for new Irish film.

When Ali Came to Ireland is the story of how Butty Sugrue, a circus strongman from Killorglin, Co. Kerry, pulled off a massive sporting coup in July 1972 when he arranged a fight in Croke Park between ‘The Greatest’ Muhammad Ali and ex-con Alvin ‘Blue’ Lewis. 

This documentary, presented during the 40th anniversary of the fight, combines a wealth of archival material with colourful reminiscences of people who came into contact with Ali – Eddie Kerr, the hurler who taught Ali hurling; Cathal O’Shannon, who famously interviewed him; the team from Offaly that built the ring and stayed up for the fight; Rock Brynner, son of Yul who was Ali’s close friend – to tell this unlikely tale which is infused with great warmth and good humour.  

Filmmakers Aideen O’Sullivan and Ross Whitaker will participate in a post-screening Q&A.