Thomas ashe street proposal in ashbourne
Sinn Féin held its annual 1916 Commemoration on Easter Sunday at the Rath Cross Monument in Ashbourne, erected near the site of the Battle of Ashbourne. The Battle of Ashbourne was one of the few engagements to take place outside of the capital during Easter week 1916, and is rare insofar as it was a victory for the Irish Volunteers.
After a reading of the Proclamation and Thomas Ashe’s poem 'Let me carry your cross for Ireland Lord' the crowd was addressed by Ashbourne Municipal District Councillor, Darren O’Rourke, who outlined Sinn Féin proposals for the name of the main street in Ashbourne to be changed to commemorate Thomas Ashe.
He said: “The Proclamation and its principles continue to guide this generation of republicans, just like they did the leaders of 1916. Now, our generation can, and will, make good the promise made in 1916 and make sure the sacrifice of the men and women of that time, and the years that followed, was not in vein.
“In one year's time, we will celebrate the centenary of the Rising. That will be an occasion to both reflect upon the legacy of the Rising and the Proclamation, and what they must mean for the future. It is an opportunity to build a popular national consciousness on the true values of the Proclamation, and to encourage Irish citizens and the diaspora to reclaim the spirit of 1916. 1916 belongs to all of us.
In relation to Sinn Féin plans to rename the main street in Ashbourne Thomas Ashe Street, after the commander of the Republican forces at the Battle of Ashbourne, Cllr O'Rourke said: 'I intend to put a proposal to the May meeting of Meath County Council seeking to begin a process of consultation with local residents and the business community in Ashbourne with the aim of renaming the main street in the town Thomas Ashe Street or Sráid Thómás Ághas as Gaeilge. This, I feel, would be a very appropriate move. Not only would it coincide with the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising and recognise the significance of that event and the contribution of one of the greatest Republican leaders of all time, it would coincide with the completion of the main street redevelopment works.
'On a practical level I have regularly been contacted by local businesses in relation to confusion, by shoppers and emergency services alike, in relation to the exact naming and signage of Ashbourne's main street(s). Main Street is known as Main Street and Frederick Street. The new high street is known as High Street and Killegland Street! This move would help clarify this matter too. I will be seeking the support of all my colleagues on the council for what would be a significant initiative on behalf of Meath County Council and the people of Ashbourne to mark the 100th anniversary of the Rising.'