Be The Change You Want To See

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International Women’s Day, which dates as far back as 1909, is today, March 8th, 2016. Above is the 2014 mural celebrating the day in the complex of shops at London-/Derry’s Bogside Inn.

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Copyright © 2015 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X02815 meenan sq designed by karen cassidy with help from doherty, zoë ramsey, brian farrell, mary mcloughlin, catherine duddy, catherine ellis, kat pollock, stephen boyle, sinéad

Don’t Ever Give Up!

03273 2016-01-30 RNU Lifeline+

Positive thinking in a suicide-prevention poster from the Republican Network for Unity (RNU) in Ardoyne: Place your hand over your heart, can you feel it? This is called purpose! Your’re [sic] alive for a reason! … Don’t ever give up

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Copyright © 2015 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X03273 berwick rd

The Eye Of Horus

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Here is an unusual Eye Of Horus, in that it is placed within a triangle, reminiscent of the All-Seeing Eye Of Providence – a combination of Egyptian and Christian mythologies. The sign is next to the Lagan Towpath in the Hilden area of Lisburn.

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Copyright © 2015 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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External & Internal

02862 2015-08-26 KildrumWide+

Two images of graffiti in the Kildrum area of Derry. The first (above) sends messages to outsiders (or at least, directed at external pressures) — “Tıocfaıdh ár lá”, “End British Internment”, “Victory to the POWs”, and “RUC not welcome in Foylehill” — while the second, which is in a more secluded spot, contains many for internal audiences — “Drugs out”, “Bring back RAAD” (Republican Action Against Drugs | WP), “Kill Hoods”, “SF scum”, “Not a bullet, not an ounce” (a comment on IRA disarmament), as well as “Free Gaza!!” and “Israel scum”.

02861 2015-08-26 KildrumGraffiti+

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Copyright © 2015 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Doing Her Duty

03150 2015-10-20 Rangers Supporters Club d below+

Here is a board from outside the Ulster Rangers Supporters Club (Fb) on the Shankill Road. It highlights the roles played by women during WWI as nurses and welders and in the Land Army. “She hasn’t a sword and she hasn’t a gun. But she’s doing her duty now fighting’s begun.”

The forces are shown gathered outside the West Belfast Orange Hall, on the Shankill at Brookmount Street.

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Copyright © 2015 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X03150 he died for freedom and honour national service women’s land army

The Depths Of Sectarianism

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Belfast’s City Cemetery opened in 1869 and was originally intended for the interment of both Catholics and Protestants. At the insistence of Catholic clergy who argued that the ground would not be consecrated if shared, the graveyard was created with an underground wall (shown above) nine feet in height. (Republican News) After further disputes, however, Catholics were not routinely buried in the graveyard until 100 years later; they were buried instead in the nearby Milltown Cemetery.

Here is a short video of local expert Tom Hartley at the wall:

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Copyright © 2015 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Rid Our Areas Of These Vermin

According to this Irish News article (see also Irish Republican News), the flyer above (this one is on the Crumlin Road in the centre of Ligoniel) is the work of a UDA faction that has intimidated people out of their homes in the Glenbryn area. (See also Irish Republican News.)

“North Belfast UDA: Anyone caught housebreaking or robbing business premises in this area will face severe consequences. No mercy will be shown or second chances given. We will show no leniency in carrying out the punishment your depraved actions deserve. We already have names and this will be acted upon. Our communities will not be left defenceless. This is not a warning this is a promise. Anyone with any information don’t be afraid to come forward. Help us rid our area’s of these vermin. Quis separabit.”

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Copyright © 2015 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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The Prison Of Mistrust

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Graffiti below the towering Cupar Way wall of hostility: “Free us all from the prison of mistrust, misunderstanding, and misdeeds.”

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Copyright © 2015 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Car Crime Is A Growing Problem

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“Car crime is a growing problem — don’t let it impact on our community.” Board at the junction of Falcarragh Drive and Suffolk Road.

See also: Where’s The Joy? | Death Driving

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Copyright © 2015 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X02981 gone hurt crash glen parent

Women’s Voices Matter

03070 2015-10-01 Women's Quilt+

Today’s image is of the final new mural in the recent re-imaging of the Lower Shankill estate. It shows a patchwork quilt of word related to women and the roles they play in families and communities, such as “aunt”, “mother”, “sister”, “granny”, and “caring”, “diverse”, “strong”, and “unheard voices”.

Other murals in the project: I Am Not ResilientOnly In The Movies | Coming Of Age In The Lower Shankill

03071 2015-10-01 Women's Quilt info+

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Copyright © 2015 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X03070 X03071 The Lower Shankill Women’s Group created this artwork using the theme of a traditional family quilt as their inspiration. The quilt idea was chosen as an item, which is often made together by family members and is ultimately handed down through generations. The women decided to decorate their quilt with words that described themselves their family members. Each member of the group contributed to the project, which were brought together digitally to form the overall artwork. They also wanted to highlight that woman have a pivotal role to play within the Shankill area and that their voices area as important as any one else’s. Artist Lesley Cherry worked with the women during this project, drawing out family stories of care, loss, remembrance and ultimately love, not only for their immediate families, but for their friends and the wider community. This artwork was funded by the Housing Executive, working in partnership with the Lower Shankill Community Association. The artwork replaces a contentious paramilitary mural and an artwork depicting the burning of Protestant homes at the beginning of the Troubles. hope friend loud kind broken honest care pride family stubborn inspiration diverse niece pride care caring acceptance welcome love powerful equalilty equality for all