The Return Of A King

The famous “You are now entering loyalist [UDA] Sandy Row” mural, has been replaced by a new board celebrating the (Dutch) William of Orange (or “King Billy” as he is more commonly referred to) (WP) and his “Danish, English, Dutch, French Huguenots, Prussian, Scots, Irish, Swiss, Polish, Italian, Norwegian” forces. “William III encourages his troops, on the morning of July 12th 1690 [in Dutch]: ‘Let ambition fire thy mind/Laat amitie brand uw verstand'”

The mural was launched July 2nd, 2016, and was painted by artist Ross Wilson (Tele). A time-lapse video of the painting-over of the previous mural and the installation of the various pieces is available on Youtube.

“Context: This new artwork indicates a community moving forward. It replaces the Ulster Freedom Fighters mural located for many years on this site, the replacement of that mural did not come easily to this community, only happening after a long and detailed period of consultation. The Loyalist community of Sandy Row is proud of its culture and heritage, we believe that this new mural strengthens our identity in a way that is shared, confident and open.
History: This mural celebrates the victory of William III over James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 “The battle of the two kinds” there is a factual geographical link with William III as he passed through Sandy Row on his way south to the Boyne. The williamite ranks were filled with Irish protestants and international troops, William encouraged the hearts of his troops on the morning of the battle when he called out to them “LET AMBITION FIRE THY MIND” they followed him to victory. The original battle date was the 1st July 1690. However in 1752 the new Gregorian Calendar was adopted and since then the Orange Order have celebrated the Battle of the Boyne on the 12th July.
Image: The mural shows angels holding a crown over the crest of King William and his wife Queen Mary (Daughter of James II) joint monarchs by the grace of God. The orange lily and crown relate to the Dutch House of Orange and the new kingship of William Prince of Orange. The two soldiers are the elite Dutch Blue Guard who led William’s army into battle at the Boyne. The large portrait shows William at the age of 40 in the year 1690, a man with ambition and vision in his heart the year of his most important victory.
“je Maintiendrai,” I will maintain, the motto of the House of Orange.
Artist Ross Wilson”

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney

Clonoe Martyrs

East Tyrone remembers IRA volunteers Patrick Vincent, Sean O’Farrell, Peter Clancy, and Barry O’Donnell, who were killed by the SAS after attacking Coalisland RUC station with a machine gun mounted on the back of a lorry on February 16th, 1992 as they were switching from the attack vehicles to getaway cars in Clonoe (WP). With republican graffiti: “End strip searches in Maghaberry jail on republican POWs”.

Lisnahull Road, Newell Road, Donaghmore Road, Dungannon

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney

Loyal Neilsbrook

Six panels on the Neilsbrook Loyalist arch: Randalstown Sons Of Ulster flute band, Siege Of Derry, Drumcree “United we stand”, 36th (Ulster) Division, William Of Orange, Sir Edward Carson. For more images from the estate see Loyalist Randalstown.

“This plaque was presented by the officers and members of Randalstown Sons Of Ulster flute band on Saturday 17th April 1999 in memory of all the Loyalist people of Ulster who have suffered at the hands of the enemies of our land.”

Blackthorn Way (at Brackenburn), Neilsbrook Park, Neilsbrook Road, Randalstown

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney