2008
Though relegated in 2008, this was the season of the famous victory over Skerries in the league. On a miserable day Ashbourne scored the only try of the game in what can only be described as “Munsteresque” rugby at its best. Winning a line out on the halfway line Grimes and Mahon amongst others drove the length of the field with a brilliant rolling maul. Eddie Halvey was in the pack for that one and only game. This piece of magic won the game in what was a difficult season. That season also saw the 1st XV win the McGowan Cup beating Skerries in the final. A good U18 side were runners up in the Plate competition and runners up in the League that season.
In 2008/2009 Ashbourne was offered its first Women’s International, when with 24 hours’ notice the club successfully hosted the Ireland V France game, which Ireland won by 7 points to 5. The following season the club was awarded the internationals for the coming few seasons. Our Under 18’s won the Leinster League Div. 1 title