City/Town

Killed In Action

Extramural Activity4 Comments

“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.

Skull And Crossbones

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The skull and crossbones was the emblem of the Ballymacash Young Conquerors flute band in Lisburn, and it is still used by members of the new band, the Pride Of Ballymacash (Fb).

For close-ups of the bonfire in the background of the second image, see Ballymacash Bonfire.

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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X04996 X04997 Prince William Road

This Mess We’re In

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This graffiti in the city centre in one go describes both the state of things and the alleged culprits.

See also Lost Duppy from 2016. And Don’t Be DUPed from 2014 in the Peter Moloney Collection.

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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X04970

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
X04991 [X04990]

Ballymacash Bonfire

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The bonfire in Ballymacash, Lisburn, is big and getting bigger in recent years, and generating some controversy (e.g. 2015 BelTel | 2017 BelTel) which is perhaps the reason for the “No shooting – police notified” sign in the final image. This year is no exception, as today’s images make clear. The third shows that the pyre can be seen over the tops of the houses. Here is drone footage of the 2017 bonfire.

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X06005 X06006 X06007 X06004

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
X04985 [X06295]

Resistance Is Not Terrorism

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Saoradh (web | Fb | tw) have added a pro-Palestine mural with the slogan “Resistance is not terrorism” to the Falls Road at the old Linden Street (replacing TMN’s homage to Vaughan Bodē).

See also: RNU Stands With Palestine.

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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X04987

Hard Brexit

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A “hard Brexit” would involve the UK leaving the European Union and the European Economic Area. For Northern Ireland, that would mean (at least) customs checks at the border with the Republic. Politicians on all sides are concerned about what that might mean for the peace, but the split is encouraged by the board above on the “sports zone” next to the Mount Inn on North Queen Street, Belfast. The Navy and RAF ensigns perhaps suggest how the UK’s borders are to be secured.

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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X04994

Cage Exchange

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Two in Exchange Place in Belfast city centre: the bird is in the rib cage, the heart is in the bird cage. Artist unknown – please comment/get in touch if you know it!

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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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