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Strabane’s Republican Graves

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Gravestones to brothers Michael, David, and Hugh Devine, to Charles Breslin, who died alongside Michael and David, to “all those who gave their lives” – “Go luí cré ársa Thír Eoghain go héadrom ar uigheanna ár laochrai uaisle” [May the ancient Tyrone clay lie lightly on the graves of our noble warriors]; this headstone is featured in a Fountain Street mural – and Danny McCauley – “Where there is a struggle for justice, the desire for freedom and resistance to exploitation, there will always be a Danny McCauley.”

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney

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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

In Aghaidh Impiriúlachas Na Breataine In Éirinn

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“I gcomóradh na stailceoirí ocrais a fuair bás i mBloic-H na Céise Fada sa bhiain 1981 agus i ndíl chuimhne ar ár cróga go léir a thug a raibh acu ar stailc ocrais in aghaidh impiriúlachas na Breataine in Éirinn. This memorial stone is erected to commemorate the deaths of 10 republican volunteers who died in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh prison in the cause of Irish freedom. Their supreme sacrifice changed the course of Irish history forever. Their suffering and subsequent deaths showed the inhumane barbarity of a British government in its attempts to deny our people their liberty and rights as a free nation.”

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney

The Teeling Family And The United Irishmen

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This monument is between Pantridge Road and Stewartstown Road on the Michael Ferguson Roundabout (Ferguson was a Protestant republican and MLA for West Belfast (An Phoblacht)). From top to bottom: the harp of the United Irishmen with the slogan “Equality. It is new strung and shall be heard”; a pikeman; an Easter lily; “Erin go brách.” and finally the dedication: “Erected by the people of Twinbrook and Poleglass to commemorate the Teeling family and the United Irishmen in this Bi-Centennial Year. 1798-1998.” Bartholomew Teeling is included in a Twinbrook mural alongside modern-day IRA volunteers (Twinbrook Final Salute); he was a United Irishman from Lisburn (Rebel Breeze has a full account of his deeds). Charles Teeling was a journalist and founder of the Northern Herald, among others (WP).

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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

A Few Of The Many

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“Lest we forget. This memorial is dedicated to the men of the Willowfield Battalion, East Belfast regiment, Ulster Volunteer Force, who made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War 1914-1918. It stands on the site of the old Willowfield unionist hall, opened by Sir Edward Carson on May 16th 1913, as a drill hall and rifle range for Willowfield UVF. It was from this hall volunteers marched to Balmoral, from there to the green fields of France, some never to return. Sleep on, dear sons of Ulster, ’til the trumpet sounds again.”

“In memory of our fallen comrades Ulster Volunteer Force East Belfast.”

“In solemn remembrance we salute the brave men of Ulster. Without favour or reward they fought militant republicanism on its own terms. Their courage, dedication and sacrifice we will remember for evermore. Joe Long, Robert (Squeak) Seymour, Charlie Logan, Trevor King, Billy Miller, Tommy McDowell, Joe Shaw, Colin Caldwell, Harris Boyle, Wesley Somerville, Geoffrey Freeman, David Swanson, Sinclair Jonhston, Robin Jackson. This is a few of the many. For God and Ulster.”

This is an improved image over 2006’s A Few Of The Many. Cherryville Street, Belfast.

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney

No More Pain

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Stone squares carved with images and words such as “racism” and “respect” on the side wall of the Credit Union at the junction of Springfield and Whiterock Roads. “Upper Springfield Development Company, Ltd. Launched by Gerry Adams, 28th Sept 2006.” “Envirnoment Achievement Award. Sponsored by West Belfast Partnership 2006.”

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney