This is the new black taxi mural in Ardoyne Avenue, replacing the original painted in 2001. “‘The black Taximen’s Assoc. continued to provide a Service despite the spontaneous rioting which followed news of Frank Stagg‘s murder. Ulsterbus had cancelled all services in Nationalist areas immediately on hearing of Frank’s death’ – Newspaper editorial Feb. 1976. Dedicated to those who died in the service of their community: Michael Duggan, Jim Green, Harry Muldoon, Paddy McAllister, Caoimhin MacBradaigh, Thomas Hughes, Hugh Magee, Padraig Ó Cleirigh. [on the side wall:] In memory of all taxi drivers – public and private – who were murdered by loyalists/British crown forces during the conflict serving their community through transport.”
The “photos” in the lower left and right include various Ardoyne murals that can be seen as part of a black taxi tour (taxitrax.com): Ard Eoin Kickhams, It’s Black And White, GPO 1916, The Blind Piper, The Mass Rock. This mural uses the same device as It’s Black And White, of painting in black and white with occasional use of red (originally for the sweaters of the children, à la Schindler’s List).
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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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