Under Ben Madigan

Titanic sails (impossibly) between the Giant’s Causeway (on the left) and one of the Harland & Wolff cranes – all under Napoleon’s Nose and Cave Hill.

This mural replaced a UDA mural in Downing Street, Belfast.

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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X05970 [X05120]

Duke Elliott

“This mural is dedicated to the officers and members of the Woodvale Defence Association who gave their lives and their freedom in defence of this are. All gave some, some gave all. Quis separabit.” The plaque reads: “This plaque is dedicated to the officers and members of ‘B’ Company WDA (UFF) who gave their lives and their freedom in defence of the Woodvale. Quis separabit.

Ernie “Duke” Elliott came from the Woodvale area and was a founder member of the Woodvale Defence Association in 1971, which was later folded into the UDA. He was also a Marxist. He was killed in a pub brawl in December 1972 in a dispute over weapons (WP | Tele | Watching The Door).

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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X05968

Fallen Fist

“Tyndale” and “UFF” were originally above and below the fist (see M05695). All three boards have come off the wall.

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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X00358

We Won’t Have Home Rule

Dublin barrister Sir Edward Carson was the figurehead of Unionism at the time of the Home Rule crisis, overseeing the formation of the Ulster Volunteers and the Covenant in response to the third bill. Carson’s aim was to keep all of Ireland within the UK but advised unionists to accept the six-county Northern Ireland stipulated by the 1920 Bill.

For the side wall out of shot to the left, see M04206.

Broadway, Village, south Belfast.

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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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UVF Run The Show

The covered-over graffiti is possibly “UTVT” [Up The Village Team]

Benburb Street, Belfast

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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Nothing About Us

2010-10-00 NothingWithoutUs+

“Nothing about us without us is for us …” From the info board: “The title of this artwork reflects a slogan used internationally, where social and political change has been paramount. It is understood that such change emerges only through true and thorough consultation with the community and that is the wish of residents of Lower Shankill – to affect [sic] social change move forward through collaboration with decision makers and government at every level.This digital installation has been created by artist Lesley Cherry who has worked intensively with the Lower Shankill Community Association and members of the community to produce hundreds of positive images which reflect the need for change and consultation within that process, the ensure a better future for all.

As part of the Re-Imaging Communities Programme, led by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, this artwork replaces previous murals of The Malvern Street Arch, [and before that] The Queen Mother [probably intended is the QEII golden jubilee mural] and [before that] The Scottish Brigade [this mural was in fact three walls to the right; prior to the QEII mural was a UFF mural].”

Hopewell Crescent, west Belfast.

Update: When the upper part of the estate was redeveloped, this board was moved down to Malvern Way. A new info board was placed next to it, showing murals that had preceded it in that (Malvern Way) spot and replacing the third paragraph: “This artwork was funded by the Housing Executive, working in partnership with the Lower Shankill Community Association. The artwork replaces previous murals depicting paramilitaries and one of the Northern Ireland Coat of Arms.”

T02569 2023-04-23+

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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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T02569 courtesy of Paddy Duffy 2023

The People’s Champion

Alex “Hurricane” Higgins died on July 24th, and a new mural has been painted in his memory outside The Royal at the top of Sandy Row (shown above).

It joins a slightly older mural on Donegall Avenue, at the end of the street where Higgins grew up, Abingdon Street (which is now Abingdon Drive).

Both are near the clubs where he learned the game – the Jam Pot and the YMCA – before going on to twice become world snooker champion, in 1972 and 1982. He was a heavy smoker and suffered mouth and throat cancers. (WP)

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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X05928 X05927 born 1949 simply the best a true legend

We Support Our Troops

The photograph of a stretchered soldier giving a ‘thumbs up’ (shown below) was set up and photographed by Captain Ed Hodges of the King’s Royal Hussars in Basra, Iraq, in 2007 (Daily Mail). In silhouette (as shown here) it has become the icon of the Help For Heroes charity raising money for British forces.

Update: also used in Ebor Street in 2012.

Moltke Street, Belfast

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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X05933

Village YCV

Young Citizen Volunteers of both the Home Rule (1912) and Troubles periods are shown shouldering rifles.

The mural on the side-wall has been whitewashed – see previously M04214.

Broadway, south Belfast.

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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X05932