plaque

The Great Wars & The Recent Conflict

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“In remembrance of all those Ulstermen & women from the Greater Dunmurry area who died during the great wars 1914-1918 and 1939-1945. Also those men and women who died during the recent conflict. Lest we forget.” The “recent conflict” perhaps includes the Ulster Special Constabulary (the B Specials), formed in 1920 and replaced by the UDR in 1970 – as included in the plaque on the railings. Rowan Drive, Dunmurry. See previously: Their Loyalty Betrayed and the 2005 images of Freedom Corner.

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Copyright © Peter Moloney Collection

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West Tyrone Command

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Updated version of the monument to West Tyrone Command (seen in 2005) – perhaps with new fencing. A modern volunteer stands on the left, Cú Chulainn on the right. “In proud memory of Vol. Charles Breslin age 20, Vol. Michael Devine age 22, Vol. David Devine age 16. West Tyrone command, Ógliagh na hÉireann. Killed by crown forces near this spot23 Feb. 1985.” The three were killed in an alleged shoot-to-kill incident. Obituaries in An Phoblacht. Fountain Street, Strabane.

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney

They Paid The Ultimate Sacrifice

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“This plaque is dedicated to the memory of Lt. Col. Trevor King died 9th July 1994, Major Wm (Frenchie) Marchant died 28th April 1987, Davy Hamilton died 17th June 1994. These brave men were killed near this spot by the enemies of Ulster. No sacrifice is too great for one’s country. They paid the ultimate sacrifice. ‘They shall grow not old/as we that are left grow old/Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn/At the going down of the sun and in the morning/We will remember them.'” The plaque is old (see They Paid The Ultimate Sacrifice) but the mural is new. All three men – Marchant, King, Hamilton (and Craig) – were shot near the mural/plaque in Spier’s Place – for information, see Ordinary People, Extraordinary Roles.

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney

C Company 1st Battalion

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These are 2008 images of the left-hand mural and central plaque on Carnan Street (seen previously in 2005). UVF volunteers Robert Wadsworth, Robert McIntyre, James McGregor, Thomas Chapman, William Hannah, who died in the 1970s, are commemorated. The plaque includes lines from Binyon’s WWI poem For The Fallen: “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old/Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn/At the going down of the sun and in the morning/We will remember them” with “in our hearts forever” added; the flowers of the four home nations also suggests WWI. The “Four Step” was a pub bombed in 1971 (see X02393).

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney

Pat Finucane

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“Targeted by British Establishment; Executed by Loyalist killer gang.” Solicitor and “human rights activist” Pat Finucane was shot in 1989 at his home in north Belfast by loyalist paramilitaries aided by MI5. Collusion in the killing was admitted in 2011 by then-Prime Minister David Cameron. Ten years after Finucane’s death, Rosemary Nelson was also assassinated. “If you don’t defend human rights lawyers, who will defend human rights? – Rosemary Nelson”. The board in Beechmount Drive was originally black. The plaque was “unveiled by his family Sunday 11th Febraury 2007”.

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney

Angela Gallagher

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“Dedicated to the memory of Angela Gallagher who was killed near this spot 3rd September 1971 aged 17 months. Jesus, friend of children, bless the children of the whole world. “May you stop here to remember the innocents amid the tragedy of conflict”” Gallagher was killed by a ricocheting IRA bullet. Iveagh Drive, Belfast.

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney

Gibraltar

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“I ndil chumhne – In proud and loving memory of Volunteers Dan McCann, Mairead Farrell, Sean Savage, Oglaigh na hEireann who were executed by British Crown forces in Gibraltar 6th March, 1988.” The three were killed in Gibraltar by the SAS in what was known as “Operation Flavius”. The European Court Of Human Rights found that the use of force was unlawful. (WP)

“Oh! Cold March winds that pierce the dark/You cry in aged tones/For souls of folk you’ve brought to God/But still you bear the moans./Oh! Weeping wind this lonely night/My mother’s heart is sore,/Oh! Lord of all breathe freedom’s breath/That she may weep no more. – Bobby Sands”. Hawthorn Street, Belfast.

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney

Beechmount Óglaigh

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The memorial garden in Beechmount Avenue, Belfast, goes beyond commemoration of IRA volunteers. Moving clockwise: dying volunteer, “local men and women and POWs”, hunger strikers, comhaltaí Shinn Féin, proclamation, na hÓglaigh, “innocent people from the area”, “the unsung heroes off [sic] this area”, Sands quote.

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney