ASH2020's commemoration projects swing into action after Covid delays

Early in their bicentennial year, the ASH2020 Board agreed a ten-year licence to develop a commemorative garden on the Dunnes Stores-owned plot of ground adjacent the Stags Head Tavern, at the junction of Frederick Street and Declan Street.

When Covid struck, the project suffered the fate of most others; hence they are just now getting started on what they had planned to achieve on this site during 2020.

On 4th March, the first sods were turned by AMDC Cathaoirleach, Cllr Suzanne Jamal and by ASH2020 Chair, Liam Mulvihill. Both addressed an assembled audience of around 25, as did Fiona Lawless, Municipal District Manager and MCC Financial Controller. Fiona Woods, ASH2020 Board Member and event organiser also spoke.

A choir drawn from the Ashbourne Community National School gave a rousing performance of the National Anthem. Afterwards, the assembled group enjoyed refreshments atthe Stags Head.

Since its initial designation as Founder’s Day in 2020, 4th March has been marked to the extent that the constraints of the pandemic permitted. The significance of the date is that 4th March, 1820, was the day on which Frederick Bourne registered the lease on the land on which he established Ashbourne.

Shortly thereafter, the building now known as the Stags Head was erected. It was then called the Ashbourne Hotel and became the coaching inn where horses were changed, and travellers refreshed. It was established by the McAuley family from Millinam, over near Fairyhouse. Anne O’Neill, a direct descendant of the McCauley’s, was a special guest at the sod-turning ceremony.

The project to lay out the garden is a community project of the ASH2020 committee and will be carried out during the Summer.