Let Us Entertain You

The LPOW mural in Harvey Court dates back to 1997, to the release of political prisoners as part of the Good Friday Agreement. A recent (2015) version can be seen at Consolidate The Peace. The new mural features performers Jonny Jones, John Calvert, Tony Jones, and Sylvia Pavis. It was painted by Blaze FX with sponsorship from Charter NI and the Housing Executive.

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The Battalion Of The Dead

Gary “Magoo” McCann is honoured as “a dedicated Vol of 2nd Battalion C Coy Village who on the 17-11-2016 was called to join his friends and comrades in the Battalion of The Dead” in a new Red Hand Commando board on Frenchpark Street below the memorial to Sammy Mehaffy, John Hanna, and Steve McCrea. Tributes were paid by South Belfast Protestant Boys and Linfield Supporters Club who called him “a Village legend”. The mural in the second image (below) is on Donegall Avenue, under the Tates Avenue bridge, on the way to the Railway stand at Windsor Park.

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Pro-Testant Reformation

October 31st, 1517 is the date given by Philip Melanchthon (there is disagreement – WP) for Martin Luther posting his 95 theses to the door of All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, thus launching what would later be called the “protestant” reformation of the Catholic church. The word “protestant” comes from two Latin roots, meaning to publicly (pro-) assert or bear witness (testari).

Below the red hands on either side have been added “Genesis 38:28”, which reads “While she was giving birth, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” But it came about as he drew back his hand, that behold, his brother came out.” The hand thrust forward to claim the birthright (and the reference to a scarlet thread) suggests the myth of the red hand of Ulster. However, it is the younger child (though the first to be completely born) that carries on the house of Judah.

For the original mural, see Return To Loyalist Tigers Bay; for “Vote Leave” on top, see Brits Out! and for the insignia to the left, see Your Kingdom Will Endure Forever.

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Buster Keenan

A new mural to William “Buster” Keenan was unveiled this month – July 8th – coincidentally the anniversary of wife Eileen’s death. Both are listed on the UVF memorial stone (image 3) in front of the mural, along with David Ervine and the Long-Cordner-Bennett-Seymour quartet.

According to ACT, Keenan was involved in the Battle Of St. Matthew’s (in which Bobby Neill and James McCurrie were killed, along with Henry McIlhone). To the left (fourth image) is another “Ulster Volunteers” stone, a “Sydenham roll of honour – to those who gave their lives in the Great War”.

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Freedom Fighter For The Republic

IRA volunteer George McBrearty was shot, together with Charles “Pop” Maguire, by the SAS on May 28th, 1981. This new mural was painted by Bogside Artist Kevin Hasson and unveiled on the 36th anniversary of his death. McBrearty is wearing an Easter lily on his lapel and the proclamation of independence backgrounds his portrait. (Video of the launch.)

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With God On Our Side

The emblem of Lebanese militants Hezbollah shows the name (literally “Party Of Allah”) lifting an AK-47. It is shown here beneath the flag of Palestine (below) and (above) next to The Petrol Bomber.

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Prepare To Roar!

Sacred Heart Boxing Academy was housed in the parochial hall (shown in the middle of the mural) before closing perhaps because of safety concerns and/or debt. Above is a shot of the main panel in its entirety (close-ups were featured yesterday (Sacred Heart Boxing Academy). The panel on the far right in the wide shot, below, was featured the day before that (Belfast Boxers).

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Sacred Heart Boxing Academy

Here are close-up shots of the main panel in the new Sacred Heart Boxing Academy mural. You can try to identify the boxers in the mural by comparing them to the archive of images on the club’s Facebook page (or you can have Eamon McAuley tell you them).

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Belfast Boxers

Belfast Boxers (Tw | web) is a non-profit group promoting boxing in the city. Its logo is included in a new mural in the Bone celebrating Belfast boxing and specifically the old Sacred Heart Boxing Academy – as we’ll see in tomorrow’s post.

Replaces the Rory Donnelly mural Hat Trick.

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Made By Children

Amnesty International is working with Eden Place Arts centre on a project into the lives of children, which includes learning to stencil and paint with Donal O’Doherty and Karl Porter from UV Arts in order to produce various murals and paintings. The largest image, of a child’s t-shirt, is shown above. More information from Derry Journal.

“This mural was designed by youth from Pilots Row Youth Club to raise awareness of child labour within the fashion industry, to educate and promote the basic human rights of children across the world. In association with Amnesty International, Eden Place Arts Centre and UV Arts, participants had the opportunity to reflect on the true cost of our throw-away fashion industry and created this thought provoking mural. Help us spread awareness of this and show your support by standing up for someone’s rights today!”

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