In 2008 and 2009 artist Raymond Henshaw completed a series of cultural murals about the Markets area of Belfast. This is the one about ‘social history’, featuring (as do all the pieces) the streets and people of the area in pre-Troubles times.
The others are: Portraits | Social | Sport & Culture | Bars | Industry
Stewart St, south Belfast
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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St John Vianney Youth Club is in River Terrace in the lower Ormeau area. This mural was supported by Pulse, the New Belfast Community Arts Initiative, the Housing Executive, and Brighten Belfast.
Cooke Street, south Belfast
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Glasgow Celtic football club was founded in 1888 by Brother Walfrid who is partially obscured here by a leaf to the left of centre. Joining him in the apex are (from left to right) Charlie Tully (of Belfast and Glasgow Celtic), Willie Maley (the first manager), [Wilfrid], Billy McNeil lifting the European Cup in 1967, Jock Stein (player 1951-1957 and manager 1965-1978). On the field are former players Henrik Larsson (1997-2004) and Jimmy Johnstone (1962-1965) on either side of the team “doing the huddle”.
Friendly Street, south Belfast
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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This is a new mural by Mo Chara Kelly (with DD Walker, Michael Kelly, and Ta Heath) commemorating the deaths of five people shot by British Army snipers in 1972: Paddy Butler (39), David McCafferty (15), Margaret Gargan (13), John Dougal (16), Fr Noel Fitzpatrick (40). The snipers fired from JP Corry’s timber yard (shown on the right) and at the time the Westrock bungalows were still standing (shown lower left). “Belfast’s Bloody Sunday. On the 9th July 1972 the British Army murdered 5 Irish citizens and severely wounded 2 others. It’s time for the truth.”
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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The upper flag appears to be the Imperial War ensign of Germany from 1903-1919, with a Prussian eagle holding a crown and sceptre in the centre, and an iron cross in the canton (CRW Flags).
Ardoyne, north Belfast
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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“Nothing about us without us is for us …” From the info board: “The title of this artwork reflects a slogan used internationally, where social and political change has been paramount. It is understood that such change emerges only through true and thorough consultation with the community and that is the wish of residents of Lower Shankill – to affect [sic] social change move forward through collaboration with decision makers and government at every level.This digital installation has been created by artist Lesley Cherry who has worked intensively with the Lower Shankill Community Association and members of the community to produce hundreds of positive images which reflect the need for change and consultation within that process, the ensure a better future for all.
As part of the Re-Imaging Communities Programme, led by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, this artwork replaces previous murals of The Malvern Street Arch, [and before that] The Queen Mother [probably intended is the QEII golden jubilee mural] and [before that] The Scottish Brigade [this mural was in fact three walls to the right; prior to the QEII mural was a UFF mural].”
Hopewell Crescent, west Belfast.
Update: When the upper part of the estate was redeveloped, this board was moved down to Malvern Way. A new info board was placed next to it, showing murals that had preceded it in that (Malvern Way) spot and replacing the third paragraph: “This artwork was funded by the Housing Executive, working in partnership with the Lower Shankill Community Association. The artwork replaces previous murals depicting paramilitaries and one of the Northern Ireland Coat of Arms.”
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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T02569 courtesy of Paddy Duffy 2023
Joe Cahill joined the Fianna in 1937 and was involved in the republican movement from then until his death in 2004, including being in Tom Williams’s company in 1942 and later a founder member and Chief of Staff of the Provisional IRA. In the centre of the image he is at the end of the table at the August 13, 1971, press conference to comment on the introduction of internment (CAIN). He is honoured in the mural above alongside his brothers Tom and Frank Cahill. (Pat O’Hare is painted between Tom and Frank.)
In the top left are small boards with portraits of Ned Maguire Snr, Ned Maguire Jnr, Sam Holden, Dal Delaney, Rita McParland, Paddy Meenan, Paddy Corrigan, Sean Wallace, John Petticrew, Alex Crowe.
“Never will they label our liberation struggle as criminal – Bobby Sands [March 6th Diary].”
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Extramural Activity 