Well, McEleney had opportunities to demonstrate that he wanted to play for Ireland at this level and failed to do so. That doesn't mean he has turned his back on Ireland.
If there is a 'stigma' likely to follow, that depends on the attitude of the players. It is rare that a 'stigma' affects the fortunes of a player with a genuine interest in playing for his country. Two players in particular who had problems at youth level, Ireland and Stokes, were given every and some opportunity respectively, to alter their image.
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