“This plaque is dedicated to the memory of Ned Trodden, Sean Gaynor and John McFadden murdered by British Forces 26th September 1920. Also to the people of this area who suffered at the hands of the RIC who operated out of this commendeered [sic] building [i.e. the Beehive Bar] from 1920-1922.” For more on the trio’s deaths, see The RIC Murder Gang (here called “British Forces”). Falls Road, Belfast, above the door of the Beehive.
M05285
Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
“This cairn was erected in memory of Ranger Cyril Smith QCM 2nd battalion the Royal Irish Rangers 24th October 1990. Ranger Smith was killed rescuing a civilian driver who had been tied to a car bomb by terrorists. He succeeded in releasing the driver and helping him to safety. As he knowingly re-entered the danger area to warn his comrades the bomb detonated. For this action he was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.”
“In memory of the part-time members of A Coy. 9 UDR who were murdered by terrorists: 24289588 Pte. Russell HJ 12-13th July 1972, 24582042 Pte. Carlton SA 8th January 1982, ex. A Coy: serving 5 UDR Lieutenant Kerr WC 2nd November 1977.”
The RIR was merged with the UDR in 1992. Both memorials are adjacent to the larger war memorial along Marine Highway, Carrickfergus.
M05256 M05257
Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
2009 image of the Denver Smith memorial in Parkhall Road, Antrim, previously seen in 2003. The four small plaques along the bottom are missing.
M05214 [M05208] [M05209] [M05210] [M05211] [M05212] [M05213]
Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
“In memory of Brigadier Billy Wright (King Rat). ‘Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ – John Ch15v13. Gone but not forgotten.” Loyalist Volunteer Force memorial Craighill in Ballycraigy, Antrim.
M05203 [M05202]
Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
2009 was the fortieth anniversary of the beginning of the Troubles and of the “first person to be killed in the Troubles – murdered by the RUC at this spot [Main Street, Dungiven] on 14th July 1969”: Francie (Pól Beag) McCloskey. McCloskey was a 67 year-old farmer standing in a shop doorway on the 12th (BelTel) or 13th (An Phoblacht) when the RUC charged nationalist rioters attacking the Orange lodge. He would die of a brain hemorrhage on the 14th. “Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
M05196
Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
Three suspected IRA car bombs exploded on Main Street, Claudy, on July 31st, 1972, killing nine people and injuring 30. This memorial on Church Street was designed by Elizabeth McLoughlin and unveiled in 2000. The plaque also acknowledges “the suffering and loss of many others in the Claudy region over the years.”
M05164 [M05165] M05166
Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
“I ndíl cuimhne Óglach Jim McKernan executed by the British Army near this spot 14th September 1986. Fuair sé bás ar son saoirse na hÉireann. [He died for the cause of Ireland’s freedom]” McKernan was killed in a gun battle between an IRA unit and a British Army foot patrol. Andersonstown Road at Ballyowen.
M05160
Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
The main plaque (shown first above) is new; like its predecessor (see M02186) list of the local dead of the IRA 1st battalion, Belfast brigade and related members of the republican movement. (A shorter list is on the plaque to the left, shown second.) There is also a 200th anniversary plaque for the 1798 rebellion: “1798-1998 Who Fears To Speak Of 98. This plaque was erected to the memory of the United Irishmen who gave their lives for Irish freedom also those who died as a result of the Great Hunger. ‘These are the times that try mens’ souls.’ [- Thomas Paine] The rich always betray the poor.’ – Henry Joy McCracken.” The memorial garden is next to the Andersonstown Social Club (a.k.a. the PD or “People’s Democracy”).
M05152 [M05153] [M05156] M05157 M05154 [M05155]
Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
2009 image of the Andersonstown Road plaque to INLA members Brendan McNamee and Miriam Daly, seen previously in 2006.
M05146
Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
Cú Chulainn stands dying, an inspiration to republicans fighting against the British (rather than Queen Medb), including those Lenadoon locals whose portraits adorn the apex: Tony Henderson, John Finucane, Tony Jordan, Brendan O’Callaghan, Joe McDonnell, Laura Crawford, Mairéad Farrell, Patricia Black, Bridie Quinn (Bridie O’Neill in the previous version of this mural). Repainted, with plaque on the right: “This mural, dedicated to the patriot dead of Lenadoon, was unveiled by Gerard O’Neill, Easter 2009.”
M05134 [M05132] [M05133]
Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
