Remember The Hunger Strikers

This is the seventh year of the hunger strikers mural in Twinbrook. This is 2012/31st anniversary edition. See previously 2006 and 2008. There is a Marian Price poster on the left, next to Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg, who died on hunger strikes in 1974 and 1976. Blanket-men Hugh Rooney and Freddie Toal are shown in the large mural on the right hand side, next to Bobby Sands.

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Copyright © 2012 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Until All Are Free We Are All Imprisoned

Here are three republican boards, framed – Belfast Brigade ONH, Cogús (POWs), 1981 hunger strikers – encouraging New Lodge residents to “Join the Republican Network For Uni[ty]” (web), above a Bobby Sands quote: “We all know the reason that we are being tortured – because we are political dissidents, POWs, and we won’t bend the knee or conform” (from Thoughts From The Shadows).

Duncairn Parade, New Lodge, north Belfast.

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Stop Shell In Mayo

The éırígí sticker refers to the Corrib gas controversy, which has been raging since 2001. (See murals about the Rossport 5 in 2005: Belfast M02549 | Derry M02640 | M02643.) For background, see Workers Solidarity Movement and WP.

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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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1981-2011

For the 30th anniversary of the second hunger strike, the mosaic portraits of the ten men to die (plus Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg) used at the Falls Road end of Beechmount Avenue to commemorate the 25th anniversary, are placed around the blanketmen board above the Clowney Street phoenix.

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Fıanna 100

Na Fıanna Éıreann was founded by Constance Markievicz – shown on the left of the mural – and Bulmer Hobson in 1909 as a scouting organisation for boys. When they reached 17, they were recruited into the IRB.

Falls-Beechmount Corner

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1981-2011

Mural in Beechmount Avenue/Ascaıll Ard na bhFeá commemorating the 30th anniversary of the hunger strike. The watchtowers of Long Kesh provide a lower border, joined by symbols of republican prisoners the lark and the green ribbon, as well as the Easter lily and Sınn Féın logo. “Honour Ireland’s dead – wear an Easter lily”. “I gcuımhne ar an staılc ocráıs. [In memory of the hunger strike.]” Replaces the previous Honour Ireland’s Dead which did not feature the hunger strike.

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They Cannot Break Our Spirit

“They cannot or never will break our spirit … Tıocfaıdh ár lá” – Bobby Sands. For the 30th anniversary of the 1981 hunger strike in which ten republican prisoners died in the H Blocks.

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IRA Final Salute

“30th anniversary of the hunger strike. 5th May 1981. IRA final salute. IRA Vol. Bobby Sands, MP Fermanagh South Tyrone.” Gerry Adams watches on as a funeral volley is fired over Sands’s coffin. Whiterock Road, Belfast.

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Óglach Joe McDonnell

“IRA Hunger Striker Óglach Joe McDonnell 1951-1981.” McDonnell was the fifth striker to die, on July 8th, after 61 days.

Shaws Road, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Stop At Nothing

“Our rulers will stop at nothing to attain their ends. They will continue to rule and rob until confronted by men who will stop at nothing to overthrow them.” The quote is from James Connolly on Conscription in 1915. Local volunteer Joe McDonnell is portrayed between the names of the ten deceased 1981 hunger strikers. Lenadoon Avenue, Belfast.

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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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