A Place For Everyone

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“I loved it here, and still miss it. The characters that came into the shop … and I miss the craic!” The advertising hoardings at the corner of Ligoniel and Crumlin roads have been replaced with this community alcove with pavers and a space for “sharing positive stories together” at “the turn of the road” from Ballysillan towards Ligoniel village. The plaque to the UDA’s Bill Reynolds, which stood on the building where he was killed until the building was demolished (see the old plaque) and then replaced with a new plaque next to the hoarding, has been included.

“In loving memory [UDA] Lt. Col. Bill Reynolds murdered [by the IRA] 7-7-87. Always remembered by his family, friends and comrades. Quis separabit.”

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The Storyteller

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Local storyteller Hugh Dillon in Castle Street, Ballycastle, by JMK (Jonny McKerr | tw). The original photograph, of Dillon in Leyland Road, Ballycastle, in 1956 and is available at Dúchas.

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McKelvey & Steele

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This tarp, above the office of Sinn Féin Poblachtach and the Happy House on the Falls Road, celebrates two previous generations of IRA leadership. Joe McKelvey was commander of the Belfast Brigade of the IRA in the War Of Independence but against the Treaty; he was executed in December, 1922, for occupying the Four Courts in June (WP). Jimmy Steele was a leader in the Belfast IRA from the 1920s to 1960s and the first editor of Republican News; he died shortly after the split (WP).

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Be My Voice

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Two cases are currently under deliberation concerning the establishment of abortion services in Northern Ireland after the vote in Westminster during the suspension of Stormont. One, heard in May, was taken by the NI Human Rights Commission in support of services (BBC), and the other, heard last week, was brought by SPUC (web) alleges that the NI Secretary lacks the authority to direct Stormont to establish services (BBC).

The pro-life stencil shown here is on the Antrim Road, below the Fortwilliam shops.

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Copyright © 2020 Sabine Troendle (web | Fb)
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Sorley Boy

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Somhaile Buí Mac Domhnaill (Gaeilge) / Somhairle Buidhe Mac Domhnaill (Gàidhlig) / Sorley Boy MacDonnell (English) was so-called (Buí/Buidhe) because of his “yellow” hair. Although his family was from the islands, he was born just outside Ballycastle in 1505 and is known for establishing the Mac Donnells in Antrim and for frustrating the plantation (WP | Tudor & Stuart Perspectives).

The mural was painted by Oliver McParland (web) in North Street, Ballycastle.

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Keys Cut While You Wait

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Here’s one from inside the modern-day Smithfield market, showing people browsing the shops in the old market, including Havelin’s key-cutting and Hall’s book shop – both have gone out of existence.

Two previous paintings: Smithfield Market

See also this street art celebrating the old market: Old Smithfield and Like A Souk In An Hibernian Casablanca

From the new market: My Old Toy Box | Their Only Colour Was Khaki

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Lost In Simulation

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If we were to guess, humans probably spend more time in simulation – imagining the past, the future, other minds, other situations, with and without the aid of books, games, TV/movies, internet – than in experience, and the pandemic has not helped at all. It’s a weird world, represented by Leo Boyd (web | ig | Fb) in Belfast.

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From The Plough To The Stars

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“A free Ireland will control its own destiny from the plough to the stars.” James Connolly explained the significance of “the plough in the stars” (Ursa Major) as a symbol of Irish revolutionary socialism. He and Seamus Costello, heroes of the IRSP (web) are painted on James Connolly house in Chamberlain Street, Derry. Also home to Teach Na Fáilte, the Republican Socialist Ex-Prisoners group.

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Perverting The Course Of Justice

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Here is another set of images concerned with the on-going search for answers related to the death of teenager Noah Donohoe and to the PSNI inquiry into his death. It is now 67 weeks since Noah’s death and a new Facebook page has been set up to campaign for justice, and a petition to demand the resignation of Chief Constable Simon Byrne. These images are from the upper Falls and New Lodge areas of Belfast.

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Serving Their Community Through Transport

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“In memory of all taxi drivers – public and private – who were murdered by loyalists/British crown forces during the conflict serving their community through transport.” This is the side wall to a larger mural to black taxi drivers which has been in place since 2001, was repainted in 2011, and is again looking in rough shape.

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