CONOR MCGREGOR WILL be hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin at a civic reception next month, it has been confirmed.
The Dublin-born MMA fighter was crowned UFC featherweight champion in the early hours of Sunday morning after a stunning 13-second knockout of previously undefeated Brazilian Jose Aldo in Las Vegas.
With no official homecoming announced, an online petition was started to persuade Dublin City Council to recognise McGregor’s achievement in someway — with over 18,000 fans signing.
Now, Lord Mayor of Dublin Críona Ní Dhálaigh has announced that she has invited the 27-year-old to City Hall.
“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,” said Ní Dhálaigh.
“He became World Champion in such stunning style and was watched by many Irish people in the early hours of last Saturday morning.
Comhghairdeas le Conor ar an éacht íontach seo. Curadh reatha an Domhain ó mBaile Átha Cliath is ea é.”
Ní Dhálaigh also gave a reason for the delay in an announcement.
“It was important for us to contact Conor and his management team before making any public or media announcements and to make sure that he would welcome the reception and also ascertain his availability,” she added.
“We have held discussions with his team and are delighted to now be in a position to make this announcement.
“We will hold the reception in City Hall towards the end of January 2016 and further details will be announced as planning progesses.”
