This space on Ardoyne Avenue was used for “cultural” murals from 1997 to 2015, when Stair Na Gaeilge was replaced by Resistance. In its latest incarnation, Saoradh (web | tw – the organisation’s Facebook page is currently blocked) have made a small addition to the side-wall in the centre of the image above.
For the larger pieces, see Homes!!! and Lidl On Equality.
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“In proud and loving memory of Tommy Roberts, former IRA volunteer, former POW blanketman, died 8th June 2017 aged 78. His courage and dedication will never be forgotten. “As long as Ireland is unfree the only honourable attitude for Irishmen and Irishwomen is an attitude of revolt.””
Roberts was with Junior McDaid when he was shot in 1972 and was OC in Crumlin Road jail later in the 70s (Derry Journal). Video of the launch in June | memories from Anthony McIntyre | Videos of the funeral one | two.
The quote is from Pearse; it was used in Ardoyne in the 1980s.
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The IRPWA/Saoradh/éıstıgí office on the Antrim Road is courting controversy (Irish News | BelTel) with its the holiday images in its front windows. On the right, a Grinch in PSNI uniform (in front of a bleeding poppy with swastika) harasses the child of a Soaradh member. (“Hey, peelers! Leave our kids alone” is a play on the Pink Floyd song ‘Another Brick In The Wall‘). On the left, Santa takes aim with a home-made RPG (modelled on the image included in Resistance). The Derry IRPWA office also received a Grinch cartoon in which he is battering down a door.
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Michael Conlan (tw | ig) won his first title and tenth professional bout on Saturday night (December 22nd), in Manchester, by defeating Englishman Jason Cunningham (BBC). He features here in one of the new murals on the Fáılte Feırste Thıar offices alongside the traditional Gaelic games of hurling, camogie, football, and handball.
Previously: Conlan’s 2012 Olympics mural. Also: Soccer, boxing, and football in Glen Bawn.
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“Dealers don’t care – say NO to drugs”. RSYM [Republican Socialist Youth Movement] (Fb) is the youth wing of the IRSP. This campaign addresses the drug problem in Derry’s Bogside.
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Junior McDaid house – the offices of the IRPWA (web | Fb) and Saoradh (web) in Derry – was opened two years ago (video) in Chamberlain Street. The offices are “proudly named after” IRA volunteer James McDaid, who was killed by the British Army in 1972 (Derry Journal), apparently without consulting with or inviting his wife (Derry Journal). A plaque to McDaid is to the left of the door, with two murals on the Harvey Street gable. (A third mural – shown separately – is just out of shot to the right.)
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Gabriel Mackle was returned to prison most recently in November, 2017 (Pensive Quill | Irish News) and released in March, 2018 (An Phoblacht). The RSF board on the front of Lecky Road remains in place, however, as is joined by “IRA” graffiti. Bernadette Devlin (as she then was) organises in the background.
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“The English may batter us to pieces, but they will never succeed in breaking our spirit – Maud Gonne.” The lesser-known figures here are Helena Moloney [Molony] and Margaret Skinnider. Both participated in the 1916 Rising. Actress Molony took part in the failed attack on Dublin Castle and, although ultimately captured, was not executed (Stories | WP). Scotland-born Skinnider was a sniper in the Easter Rising; she was shot three times but survived to flee to the USA where should would write a 1917 account of the Rising before returning to Ireland and a career in teaching (WP).
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“Welcome to West Belfast.” The sights of nationalist west Belfast are depicted in (part of) a new mural by Mickey Doherty and Marty Lyons on the side wall of the tourist office. From left to right: The (2015) Bobby Sands mural in Sevastopol Street, tourists being introduced to the IRA D Company memorial garden on the lower Falls by Peadar Whelan, Conway Mill, Divis tower, RISE at the bottom of Broadway (better known as the “Balls on the Falls”), the Falls library, the “international wall” in 2012 (with marchers in support of a nondescript international cause, crocodiles for the Irish language, and gay rights), St Peter’s pro-cathedral, a black taxi, the Connolly statue outside Comhaırle Phobaıl an bhFál, and the model for the new Casement Park stadium.
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500 people took part in the 10K Na Ceathrún Gaeltachta/Gaeltacht Quarter 10K last Sunday to raise awareness for organ donation. Youngster Dáıthí Mac Gabhann (Donate4Daithí Fb | tw) has become the face of the Irish-language campaign; his Facebook site has a gallery of 300+ images from the race. The mural above is on the Whiterock Road. You can register as a donor with the NHS.
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Extramural Activity 