AN Irish nightclub has removed a promotional billboard after it sparked controversy amongst the local community.
Liberty's nightclub in Buncrana, Donegal erected the billboard which featured an image of a female golfer from behind which said: “Liberty's: Your 19th hole for the summer”.
The advertisement is in relation to the upcoming Irish Open Championship which will be held in Ballyliffin in County Donegal from 5-8 July.
The competition is hosted by four-time major winner Rory McIlroy’s Rory Foundation.
The billboard was deemed offensive to women by local Sinn Fein councillor Padraig Mac Lochlainn, who said: “This large billboard sign on the approach to my hometown of Buncrana is just plain offensive to women.
“And it is offensive to men who respect the women in their lives.
“If it was shock value publicity they were seeking, then mission accomplished.”
The advert also faced a backlash on social media.
The message was well and truly received by the management at the nightclub, as the billboard has now been removed from the town.
Mac Lochlainn thanked the management of the nightclub for “listening to your local community”.
“This is not a bit of a laugh any more”, he said.
“Society has changed. All of us men need to step up and see that all women deserve respect, not just our mothers, daughters, sisters, wives or partners.”
