“Unbowed, unbroken.” Five of the original 18 portraits are missing – see the image from 2006 (as well as the plaque just out of shot to the left.)
This is a version of the earlier Éire/Ireland mural (depicted as a female in the centre of the mural) seen in 2005.
Mountpottinger Road, Belfast.
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
“Understand the past – and build a better future le chéile Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter.” “The past” in this case is the Battle Of St Matthew’s (“Chath Naomh Máitiú”), one of the formative events of the Provisional IRA (“Óglaigh na hÉireann”) (WP). The “better future” is symbolised by the dove and the absence of a weapon in the arms of the central figures – compare to this Derry mural from 1985. The mural was unveiled as part of the commemorative events to mark the 40th anniversary of the Battle.
Mountpottinger Street, Belfast.
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
Henry McIlhone died in the Battle Of St Matthew’s, 27th June 1970 (along with McCurrie and Neill). There is also a memorial cross. James George and Bobby Jennings are recognized for their long-time contributions to the Short Strand community. The plaque was unveiled as part of the commemorative events to mark the 40th anniversary of the Battle.
“Cuireadh an leac seo in airde i ndíl chuimhne ar an daoine ó pharóiste Naomh Maitiú, a thug a gcuid ama, a saoirse agus a mbeo leis an cheantar seo agus a phobal a chosaint, go mórmhór le linn luatha tréimhse na coimhlinte seo. Ar an dóigh chéanna lean siad traidisiún a thoisigh sna 1920aí i ndiaidh críochdheighilt i gceantar macasamhail Baile Mhic Airt an fód in aghaidh leatroim, an idirdhealaithe agus in éadan bagairt an bháis orthu. Tháinig siad le chéile le sábháilteacht a muintire féin a chinntiú. Tá roinnt de na laochra siúd ar shlí na firinne anois, ach maireann a gcrógacht agus a gcríonnacht go fóill agus beidh cuimhne againn ar an héachtraí a rinne siad go deo na ndeor.”
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
2010 image of the 2009 Cuba mural, with the word “Venceremos” added on the left-hand side.
Pro-Cuba mural on the international wall and criticism of the Obama regime’s continuation of the US blockade. “The world opposes US blockade of Cuba. Time for a change Mr Obama.” “UN General Assembly resolution Oct 2008. Countries opposed to the blockade: 185. Countries in favour: 3 (US, Israel, Palau)”. “¡Aqui no se rinde nadie!” [There’s no giving up here!]
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
2010 mural (unveiled July 4th on the 40th anniversary) of Máire Drumm (WP) and the women of West Belfast breaking the British army curfew of the Lower falls in 1970 (brief interview footage from the 9:00 minute mark). Maire Drumm was later shot dead in her bed in the Mater hospital where she was a patient.
“International wall” Divis St, Belfast. (A shot of this mural being painted can be found here.)
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
“Belfast’s Irish language radio station”, “Guth nua Gaeilge”, “An Irish voice for all”, “Glór Beo Bríomhar” [An active, vigorous, voice]. Raidió Fáilte (Welcome Radio) broadcasts at 107.1 FM and raidiofailte.com (no fadas!). Divis Street, Belfast.
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
“Ag fiorú [sic] na ceathrún gaeltachta”/”Delivering on the Gaeltacht quarter”. Laochra Loch Lao [Belfast Lough Warriors] is a Gaelic games club operating through Irish. The club’s emblem is the blackbird, from the ninth-century poem: “Int én bec/ro léic feit/do rinn guip/glanbuidi:/fo-ceird faíd/ós Loch Laíg,/lon do chraíb/charnbuidi.” “The little bird/that whistled shrill/from the nib of/its yellow bill/a note let go/o’er Belfast Lough/a blackbird from/a yellow whin” (Ciaran Carson’s translation). With support from Forbairt Feirste.
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
St Pauli is a Hamberg soccer club with a wide following due to the “gegen Rechts” [against the right] philosophy of its fans. Its supporters clubs can be found in places as far-flung as Belfast, Liverpool, Bilbao, Stockholm, San Francisco, and (naturally!) St Paul (Minnesota, USA). Northumberland Street, Belfast.
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
“Republican Network For Unity – “It is futile to say that partition will end if we are patient. The border will not fade away, nor partition be ended until such time as the united strength is used in the supreme effort to get rid of it” – Cmdt General Tom Barry” Tom Barry’s quote serves as inspiration for the recently-formed (2007) RNU.
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
“IRSP supports political prisoners human rights in Maghaberry.” The red stars in the panel on the right are held over from the previous ‘George Dubya Bush – war criminal‘ mural. The panel to the left, and the ‘plough in the stars over Long Kesh’ are new (late 2009). Northumberland Street, Belfast.
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
