political

Fır Na Pluıde

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The “blanket” (Gaeilge: pluıd) protest (not wearing prison uniforms) was a response to the removal of political (Special Category) status in 1976 (WP). The “no wash” or “dirty” protest (not using toilet facilities) followed in 1978 (WP). Both forms of protest are illustrated in the board shown above: three unshaven men wear blankets and go barefoot in a cell with excrement smeared on the walls.

An information plaque was added below, on the Phoenix mural (not shown – see M04941).

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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Stand Off! Trade Off!

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This “stand-off – trade-off” mural reappears in Artana Street, Belfast, previously covered by Stand Firm. The mural dates to 1998, when an Orange Order march was allowed to parade along Ormeau Road. Parades Commission chairman Alistair Graham (pictured in the mural beneath the evil-eyed OO member) “insisted that the Ormeau Road decision “was not a simple trade-off for our earlier decision on Drumcree”” (Irish Times).

Painted by Troy Garity, recreating an Ian Knox cartoon (Belfast Media).

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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Stop At Nothing

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“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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Staılc Ocraıs

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Twelve hunger strikers prior to the 1981 strike are included in this Shaws Road board: on the left: Thomas Ashe, Mountjoy 1917; Michael Fitzgerald, Cork 1920; Terence McSwiney, Brixton 1920; Joseph Murphy, Cork 1920; Joseph Witty, Curragh 1923; Denis Barry, Newbridge 1923; Andrew Sullivan, Newbridge 1923; Tony D’Arcy, Arbour Hill 1940; Jack McNeela, Arbour Hill 1940; Seán McCaughey, Portlaoise 1946; Michael Gaughan, Parkhurst 1974; plus on the right: Frank Stagg, Wakefield 1976.

For the mural in better condition, see M04541.

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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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38 Days

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Saor Uladh member Liam Hannaway went on hunger strike in protest at being held in a Special Supervision Unit at Maghaberry prison rather than with other republican prisoners. He ended his fast when he was moved to a hospital ward after 42 days. For more see RN | BBC-NI.

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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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From The Greater Bone, Ballybone, Rosapenna

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There is a memorial “garden” and mural in Clós Ard An Lao, in Ardoyne, in remembrance of 38 local people (“from the greater Bone, Ballybone, Rosapenna area”) who died during the troubles.

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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Let There Be No Bitterness

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Michael Gaughan’s final message included the line “Let there be no bitterness on my behalf, but a determination to achieve the new Ireland for which I gladly die” which is loosely quoted in this hunger strikers Ardilea Close (in the Bone) mural. He is buried with Frank Stagg in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina (WP). The mural has been added behind the plaque to the hunger strikers in the middle-right: “Erected by the Olpark 1981 Committee. In proud and loving memories fo ten young Republicans who gave their lives during the 1981 hunger-strike in the H.Blocks of Long Kesh. No greater love than a man lay down his life for his friends.”

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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Forget The Past

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“HET” was the “Historical Enquiries Team”, investigating unsolved killings from the Troubles. It lasted from 2005 to 2014 (WP). The graffiti in these images from Mount Vernon and the Shore Road, are perhaps specifically in connection with the investigation into the UVF unit in the area (BelTel) and the murder of Jim Harbinson (BelTel). “Forget the past – peace was delivered”, “HET go home”, “Gerry Adams ya peado [sic] – root da kids”.

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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Oppose Armed Forces Day

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In 2009, the Veterans’ Day holiday (begun in 2006) became Armed Forces Day. The event (and the raising of an MoD flag over Belfast City Hall – An Phoblacht) was opposed by éırígí and Sınn Féın. These posters are on the Falls Road.

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Copyright © 2009 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Sean McCaughey

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“I ndıl gcuımhne oglach [sic] Sean McCaughey, Gaelgoır [sic] agus muınteıor [sic] [Irish-speaker and teacher]. Fuaır sé bás ar son saoırse na hÉıreann.” “Formerly of Duneden Park, Ardoyne. Died on hunger and thirst strike after 23 days in Portlaoise gaol on May 11th 1946.” “For those who believe no explanation is necessary; for those who don’t believe no explanation is possible.”

McCaughey was convicted of kidnapping and torturing IRA chief of staff Sean Hayes, who was suspected of treason. His hunger and thirst strike was preceded by five years on the blanket.

“NBCS” = North Belfast Cultural Society.

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Copyright © 2008 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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