Justice prevails.
Much had been made yesterday of the lack of homecoming being organised for Conor McGregor after the Dubliner claimed the undisputed UFC featherweight title in stunning style on Saturday night with an online petition even set up to campaign for one.
But Lord Mayor of Dublin Críona Ní Dhálaigh today announced that a civic reception would indeed be taking place for McGregor after he returns to the capital with his belt.
Ní Dhálaigh said: “I am delighted to honour Conor McGregor, World Champion, in his home city of Dublin and acknowledge his wonderful achievement in the sport of UFC [MMA]. He became World Champion in such stunning style and was watched by many Irish people in the early hours of last Saturday morning.”
The reason for the delay in making the announcement was due to the fact that the council felt it appropriate to contact McGregor and his team before any public announcements should be made but, after talks, it was decided that a homecoming ceremony should take place.
The reception will take place in City Hall in late January 2016 with further details expected in the coming weeks.
Homecoming ceremonies have been held in Dublin in the past for Ireland’s 2012 Olympians, the Dublin footballers on several occasions, Stephen Roche in 1987 and the Republic of Ireland football squads returning from the World Cups in 1990, 1994 and 2002.
Outside of Dublin, an official homecoming was held for Andy Lee when he returned to Limerick with his WBO middleweight title.
Therefore a homecoming celebration of some sort seemed fitting for Ireland’s first ever UFC champion.
