The Curious Case of Ashe Mellon: A Comedic Tragedy
Ah, Ashe Mellon—his name is now synonymous with the classic “What were you thinking?” meme. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion, except here, the car is inviting you to “Join the IRA” via Facebook. Not exactly the recruitment strategy one might expect from a supposed revolutionary, is it?
Let’s unpack this spectacular facepalm of an event: in a move that simultaneously defies logic and manages to be incredibly dull, Mellon posted a tribute to the late Máire Drumm on a Facebook group affiliated with Saoradh, the political party that makes you think, “You know what would really spice things up? A little misdemeanor,” before immediately regretting it.
Máire Drumm, an icon of the republican cause, was remembered fondly for her contributions. Here’s the kicker—a quote recommending people join the IRA was posted. It’s like sending out invites to your birthday party, but instead of cake, you’re offering people a one-way ticket to a lifetime of regret and potential incarceration. Clearly, subtlety isn’t really Mellon’s strong suit.
Now, let’s add a sprinkle of irony to this already zany scenario. Just months ago, a fellow dissident, Stephen Murney, faced trial for regurgitating the same quote from Drumm. And now, here we are, Ashe Mellon crafting a not-so-limited edition of “How to Earn Yourself a Court Date” posts on social media.
As the source wittily remarked, “It’s not a very sophisticated effort for the latest recruitment drive,”—and, really, he’s not wrong! At this rate, they’re practically ready to launch the “Join the IRA” marketing campaign along with a range of t-shirts. They might as well hire a social media influencer while they’re at it. After all, what’s more enticing than a life-path that leads to potential legal drama and constant surveillance by MI5?
Let’s raise our eyebrows even higher than a bad haircut at the fact that MI5 believes there are only about 30 active dissidents capable of actually committing terrorist acts. Talk about a dwindling stock! This isn’t so much a covert insurgency as it is a failing start-up looking for investors. We’ve got Mellon shouting into the void, and the void is responding with a collective yawn.
How does that make you feel? Like crying? Or laughing? Perhaps a bit of both, because when your recruitment strategies involve Facebook posts and historical quotes, it’s like watching a magic show where you realize the magician can’t even pull a rabbit out of a hat, let alone perform a vanishing act.
Ironically, while Mellon fancies himself a revolutionary, his recent behavior is less “I am your leader” and more “I’m just here for the memes.” In the courtroom, he refused to stand to recognize the authority while simultaneously begging for bail like a child raising their hand for another cookie.
The absurdity reached heights worthy of sitcoms when his fellow republicans began to ridicule him behind closed doors, echoing what egos in politics should never hear: “boldly laughed at.” As one does when faced with someone who publicly declares they don’t recognize the court but still manages to pull out the legal aid forms like it’s their best friend’s wedding invitation.
In summary, Ashe Mellon seems to be the comedic antihero we didn’t ask for but are, nonetheless, getting an eyeful of. His gaffes provide comic relief in a political landscape that desperately needs it. So keep your eyes peeled, folks—whether it’s cringe or comedy, it looks like the saga of Ashe Mellon is just getting started!
Thomas Ashe Mellon faces backlash for recent recruitment call.
Once again, Thomas Ashe Mellon is under fire for his controversial social media conduct, following a Facebook group he oversees that openly called on people to ‘join the IRA.’
In a recent post shared on the Saoradh-affiliated Irish Revolutionary News page, there was an evocative ‘call to arms’ paying homage to the late republican figure, Máire Drumm, who remains a revered icon among many in the republican movement, including former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams.
Drumm, notable for her role as deputy president of Sinn Féin and a commander in Cumann na mBan, was tragically assassinated by loyalist gunmen while recovering from an eye operation at the Mater Hospital in Belfast back in 1976.
Last Monday, which marked the 48th anniversary of Drumm’s assassination, Mellon shared a tribute that included her quote urging others to join the ranks of the IRA.
The Facebook post poignantly noted: “On this day, October 28th, 1976 – Máire Drumm was murdered in her hospital bed by loyalist gunmen while recuperating from an eye surgery in Belfast’s Mater Hospital. Over 30,000 people paid their respects at her funeral held at Milltown cemetery, attended by members of Cumann na mBan.”
The quote shared by Mellon, “It isn’t enough to shout up the IRA. The important thing is to join the IRA,” mirrors a statement made earlier by Stephen Murney, who is currently facing trial for charges related to incitement of support for a proscribed organization.
Critics highlight the irony of Mellon’s call for recruitment following Murney’s legal troubles, with commentators indicating that recruiting through such a public platform as Facebook comes off as misguided, especially with dwindling support for the New IRA, which some sources suggest exists mainly in name outside of Derry.
Sources have further commented on the unrefined nature of Mellon’s efforts, denouncing them as amateurish and indicative of desperation given that MI5 estimates the country has only around 30 active dissidents posing a legitimate threat. “This is scraping the bottom of the barrel,” one source remarked.
In light of these ongoing issues, Mellon continues to face ridicule from sectors of the republican community, particularly regarding a recent court appearance where he was criticized for inconsistent actions, including applying for legal aid while supposedly refusing to recognize the court.
