The LPOW mural in Harvey Court dates back to 1997, to the release of political prisoners as part of the Good Friday Agreement. A recent (2015) version can be seen at Consolidate The Peace. The new mural features performers Jonny Jones, John Calvert, Tony Jones, and Sylvia Pavis. It was painted by Blaze FX with sponsorship from Charter NI and the Housing Executive.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2017 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X04353 X04352 X04354
Gary “Magoo” McCann is honoured as “a dedicated Vol of 2nd Battalion C Coy Village who on the 17-11-2016 was called to join his friends and comrades in the Battalion of The Dead” in a new Red Hand Commando board on Frenchpark Street below the memorial to Sammy Mehaffy, John Hanna, and Steve McCrea. Tributes were paid by South Belfast Protestant Boys and Linfield Supporters Club who called him “a Village legend”. The mural in the second image (below) is on Donegall Avenue, under the Tates Avenue bridge, on the way to the Railway stand at Windsor Park.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2017 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X04311 X04313
October 31st, 1517 is the date given by Philip Melanchthon (there is disagreement – WP) for Martin Luther posting his 95 theses to the door of All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, thus launching what would later be called the “protestant” reformation of the Catholic church. The word “protestant” comes from two Latin roots, meaning to publicly (pro-) assert or bear witness (testari).
Below the red hands on either side have been added “Genesis 38:28”, which reads “While she was giving birth, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” But it came about as he drew back his hand, that behold, his brother came out.” The hand thrust forward to claim the birthright (and the reference to a scarlet thread) suggests the myth of the red hand of Ulster. However, it is the younger child (though the first to be completely born) that carries on the house of Judah.
For the original mural, see Return To Loyalist Tigers Bay; for “Vote Leave” on top, see Brits Out! and for the insignia to the left, see Your Kingdom Will Endure Forever.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2017 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X04346 Gen 38:28
The 1917 board in the Poppy Trail series (1914 | 1915 | 1916) celebrates female munitions workers as well as making local connections to the battles of 1917: George Cairns of Roden Street and Thomas Fitzpatrick of Cullingtree Road.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2017 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X04321 X04320 euterpe st
The Boyne Bridge joins Durham Street and Sandy Row. Translink plans to demolish the bridge to make way for a new Transport Hub costing 150 million pounds. The Boyne Bridge Defenders (web | Fb) are organising a petition against it on the basis of the bridge’s age (parts of it were built in 1642) and long history. More info from the Tele.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2017 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X04319
A new mural to William “Buster” Keenan was unveiled this month – July 8th – coincidentally the anniversary of wife Eileen’s death. Both are listed on the UVF memorial stone (image 3) in front of the mural, along with David Ervine and the Long-Cordner-Bennett-Seymour quartet.
According to ACT, Keenan was involved in the Battle Of St. Matthew’s (in which Bobby Neill and James McCurrie were killed, along with Henry McIlhone). To the left (fourth image) is another “Ulster Volunteers” stone, a “Sydenham roll of honour – to those who gave their lives in the Great War”.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2017 Seosamh Mac Coılle X04331 X04330 X04332 X04333 [X10340]
Copyright © 2022 Seosamh Mac Coılle X10337 X10338 X10339
inverary dr ycv east belfast battalion fusiliers rifles canadian inniskilling rifleman royal navy highlanders
A plaque has been added to the Cupar Way “peace” line memorial to UVF man William “Plum” Smith. “Moved on 8th June 2016 – sadly missed by his family.” For more information on his life, see the previous version.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2017 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X04276 X04275 cupar way
Marvel comics’ character The Punisher takes aim at the back of Captain America’s skull. Just above the piece: “The positive side of Belfast Shankill Road peace wall“.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2017 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X04274 X04273 Krissy Timbers
Tyres for the Conway Street/Cupar Way bonfire were removed from the site in June (Belfast Live | image at Alternatives) but some might have recently been put in the middle (Belfast Media). In any case, there are still plenty of pallets, not to mention Sinn Féin election posters featuring Alex Maskey, John Finucane, and Michelle O’Neill, as well as the flag of ISIS, and IRA and INLA lettering.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2017 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X04278 X04277 road closed
Words of wisdom from the back of the Stoker’s Halt in east Belfast: “Remember … everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be nice. – Mr Andrews, 2015”. Please get in touch if you know who “Mr Andrews” is!
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2017 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X04230 holland dr
Extramural Activity 