Players, politicians and celebrities unite to defend Ashbourne in wake of local credit union post
Ashbourne is most definitely, and most proudly, in Meath.
That was the clear message from local Meath players, politicians and personalities in response to a social media post from Ashbourne Credit Union that announced 'Sam was coming home TO DUBLIN AGAIN’.
The credit union's post also drew criticism from local people who pointed out that it made no mention that the Meath Ladies team, whose captain and three other players are from Ashbourne, were in the All Ireland Intermediate Final on Sunday.
The post, which has been slammed by Meath captain, Bryan Menton stated: “Sam is coming home to DUBLIN AGAIN. Well done our very own Dean Rock and team. Enjoy the celebrations everyone.”
Menton, who also captains Donaghmore/Ashbourne voiced his displeasure on Instagram: “Embarrassing and insulting to genuine Meath people from Ashbourne. Support where you're from as an individual, but for a business to post what they're posting on social media, you should be ashamed of yourselves.”
Dean Rock grew up and lives in the area, but plays his club football in Dublin with Ballymun Kickhams.
Ashbourne had four players on Sunday's Ladies team - captain Maire O'Shaughnessy and her sister Catriona as well as sisters Siofra and Aoibhin Cleary.
The post was described as “insulting the genuine people of Meath” by Rory's Stories comedian, Rory O'Connor.
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The Ashbourne Credit Union post (which has since been deleted) stating 'Sam is coming home to Dublin again!'
“Both the Meath mens and ladies captains are from Ashbourne and there was no mention of the ladies on Sunday or of Colm O'Mealoid when the hurlers won the Christy Ring Cup.
“I'm from Ashbourne and I played football at both under 21 and junior level. I have nothing against Dublin or Dean Rock - my wife is a Dub. Ashbourne Credit Union is part of the community and it was disrespectful to the genuine people of Meath and to the people that play for Meath,” he said.
Local councillor and former GAA County Board chairman, Conor Tormey, said there was a lot of “ill-feeling in the community” about the post.
“We have a lot of fun and banter in the community, but people are annoyed at the post, particularly when they didn't mention the Meath ladies - four of whom are Ashbourne players. They had never made any mention of Colm O Mealoid,” he pointed out.
Ashbourne Credit Union
“I couldn't believe it when I saw it. To be fair Ashbourne Credit Union has been a good supporter of local GAA and has given sponsorship,” he said.
Cllr Alan Tobin said he was a great supporter of the Credit Union and it had given sponsorship to the Meath Ladies Team.
“The Meath Ladies are great role models and should be supported. There is a huge problem with young girls leaving sport at around 14 or 15, so they we need to be seen to support women in sport,” he said.
Ashbourne Credit Union was contacted for a comment.