CNR

The Ghosts Of The Martyrs

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“In proud and loving memory of all local volunteers, prisoners of war, republican activists and the unsung heroes who died of natural causes having served the cause of Irish republicanism [“sean óglach” on the individual plaques]. Together in unity you formed a bond which gave true meaning to the undefeated risen people. Your deeds of bravery and resistance will never be forgotten by the people of greater St. James’s. In your honour the quest for Irish freedom continues.” With the famous “our steps will be onward” quote from Máire Drumm at an anti-internment rally in Dunville Park on 10th August, 1975 (RN). Coıste Cuımhneacháın Lár Na bhFál/Ard Na bhFeá [Memorial committee of mid-Falls/Beechmount]. For some more of the plaques, see The Unsung Heroes.

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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Join Republican Sınn Féın

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This vintage nail-up is in Thames Street, next to the Red Devil urges people to join Sınn Féın Poblachtach, which split from (Provisional) Sınn Féın in 1986 over the decision to take seats in the Dáıl.

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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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An Ní Is Áılle

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“Níl an ní is áılle – súıl ghléıgheal [sic] an lınbh – slán faoınár gcúram níos mó!” [The most beautiful thing – the sparkling eye of a child/the bright hope of a child – is no longer safe in our care!] This Bóthar Chluanaí/Springfield Road graffiti seems to be a response to the recent vote in the Republic Of Ireland removing the constitutional protection of unborn children (see Yes & No). There has previously been Irish-language graffiti in favour of abortion: Ceart Gınmhıllte Anoıs!

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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X06025 X06026 Buíochas le Mícheál agus Seosamh.

The Keys To Freedom

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Here is a vintage mural still hanging on in St James’s in west Belfast. It was painted in 1995 (by Andrea Redmond?) and dates back to the peace process and the “Green Ribbon” campaign to secure the release of political prisoners: the dove carries the keys to set them free. The graffiti on the keys, however, reads “IRA” and “FTQ” (“Eff the Queen”), and in the upper wing, “UTP” (“Up the Provos”).

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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Brıogáıd Dhoıre

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The Linsfort Drive (Creggan) memorial garden (see M02663 and M02775) is featured in the centre of this board of IRA volunteers from the 2nd battalion of the Derry Brigade. There are two similarly designed boards to the 1st battalion in Westland Street and in Lecky Road.

Below is a fresh “IRA” nail-up in Central Drive.

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Copyright © 2017 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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West Belfast Waiting For A Home

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Here is another PPR/#buildhomesnow stencil on the issue of affordable housing in Belfast. The sites suggested in this piece are the old Mackies factory off the Springfield Road (demolished in 2003) and Glenmonagh (west of the Monagh by-pass).

For the suggestion of Hillview as a site, see Homes!!! and Lidl On Quality. For a fuller list of sites, see Build Homes Now. See also Equality Can’t Wait

Replaces the COYBIG mural for Euro 2016.

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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Killed In Action

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“Killed in action” (on the mural) or “on active service” (on the plaque) often means killed by a bomb exploding prematurely, as in the case of Finbarr McKenna, who died in Crocus Street intending to attack the RUC station on the Springfield Road at Violet Street. Here is an account of McKenna’s death from a British soldier. Lost Lives estimates that as many as 163 volunteers (9% of the total killed by the IRA) died from premature explosions. Footage of McKenna’s funeral appears in the (Sınn Féın-produced) account of Larry Marley’s funeral.

The plaque dates back to at least 2004.

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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X04992 In memory of IRA Volunteer Finbarr McKenna who died on active service in Crocus St. 2nd May 1987. Erected by the Greater Clonard Ex-Prisoners Association.

Here To Stay

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The wall of the Royal (on the Falls just above Springfield Road) continues to serve as a prime spot for graffiti. “IRA – here to stay” is connected with the recent controversy over “IRA” lettering and an assault rifle (Belfast Live) mounted on flagposts both here (Irish News) and on Divis Street (see Life In The Old Dogs Yet).

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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Be There All The Way

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The draw for the 4th round matches in the men’s All-Ireland Football Senior Championship takes place this morning at 8:30. Antrim have already been eliminated (in both football and hurling) but four other Ulster counties await their fates: Armagh, Fermanagh, Monaghan, and Tyrone. The new mural shown above celebrates (men’s) Gaelic games in County Antrim (tw) and at two local clubs: Naomh Gall (tw | web), founded in Clonard Street in 1910, and Naomh Pól (tw | Fb) in Hawthorn Street – the site of the mural – in 1941.

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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X04993 Sam Maguire cup, Liam MacCarthy cup established 1884 hayes hotel thurles bunaıthe 1884 ostán uí haodha durlas éıle

White-Line Picket

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“White-line picket in support of Niall Lehd – Saturday 30th June, International Wall, Falls Road [in fact Divis Street] at 2 pm”. For details of his incarceration, see Free Niall Lehd. This IRNC/IRPC poster is in the New Lodge (Join The IRNC | IRPC).

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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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