Four local GAA clubs are celebrated in this sloping mural on Shaw’s Road: Naomh Pól, Naomh Treasa, Padraıg Sáırséıl, Uí Donnabháın Rossa. (St. Paul’s, St. Teresa’s, Padraig Sarseil’s, O’Donovan Rossa).
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2013 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X01477
As can be seen from the initial cartoon for this mural, below, it was originally intended to have two hooded gunmen firing a funeral volley, but because of protest by locals (see, e.g. NewsLetter) this was changed to two unmasked men, one of whom is clearly of the WWI era. The Nissen huts and towers of Long Kesh, however, remain in the image, which thus expresses the complex relationship of loyalists (and especially the UVF, whose members Robert Seymour, James Cordner, Joe Long, and Robert Bennett are listed on the left-hand side) to the British army. As Bill Rolston put it: “How could one display visually the value of opposing British policies in the name of remaining British? What could be the symbols of such a schizophrenic message? (Drawing Support (1), p. ii).
The side-wall to the right of shot is painted solid black but otherwise remains unfinished as of the end of 2013.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2013 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X01439 X01436
Trade unionist John Quinn, who helped found the ITGWU, died in 1935 and was buried in an unmarked grave in Milltown. Last weekend (December 14th, 2013) a new headstone was unveiled. As can be seen in the image above, Quinn was fortunate to escape the sinking of the Titanic – he boarded as a fireman in the Belfast crew, but a team of firemen had already been hired in Southampton.
There is a detailed account of Quinn’s life and the process that brought about the new headstone at the Belfast Telegraph.
Previously on ExtramuralActivity: ITGWU mural – Till Labour Knows No Master | Larkin – We Only Want The Earth | Winifred Carney & Nora Connolly | Lockout
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2013 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X01480 1876-1935 beloved husband of margaret pollard native of sailortown seaman docker a participant in the 1907 dockers and carters strike and one of the founder members friend and colleague of james larkin, winifred carney, james connolly, 4 april 1912 Forgotten in life, remembered in death daughter bridget son robert nephew gerard
Sandy Row Ulster Volunteers/WWI memorial: “For God and Ulster 1912, Ulster Volunteer Force, South Belfast Battalion, trained in the adjoining brewery yard. These stones are kept in remembrance, “lest we forget”.”
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2013/2019 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X01473 X06636
“After we are gone what will you say you were doing? Will you say you were with us in our struggle, or were you with the very system that drove us to our deaths?”
The mural to hunger striker Patsy O’Hara on Shaws Road has been repainted and is now only one half of a long wall, due to impending renovations of the Spar shop whose side it is on. Launched November 17th, 2013 (source: irsp.ie)
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2013 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X01478 IRSP INLA in proud memory of the ten h-block martyrs who died on hunger strike in long kesh during the struggle for political status
London-based Greek street artist ‘The Krah’ is in Belfast at the moment and has just (December 15th and 16th) produced these two new pieces in Garfield Street. Above is ‘Make art not bombs’ and below is a yellow head. ‘Make art not bombs’ was perhaps inspired by witnessing a bomb scare in the city centre this week (Fb | Web).
Replaces Not criminals. Just … Thugz
The first piece replaces this “Be excellent to each other/tynee bear” piece, below.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2013 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X01503 X01504 X01359
Coloured squares, representing tiles, on the exterior of the David Scott Tile Refinery (web) in Blythe Street (off Sandy Row).
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2013 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X01472
Two masked gunmen point straight at the viewer in this UVF mural in south Belfast’s Village area. Straight-on shot, below.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2013 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X01465 X01464 2nd battalion B Coy. for god and ulster
The text has now faded from this Westwinds mural in Newtownards (which can be seen in this 2007 image). “The Union Jack – its construction and how to use it. ” The text describes the composition of the Union Flag from the St George’s Cross, St Andrew’s Saltire, and St Patrick’s Cross, and how to fly it properly: “In flying the flag, the broad white stripe of the cross of St Andrew should be next to the mast.” Also shown are Britannia astride the globe, a king and queen, a lion, naval boats and a sub, the flowers of the “home nations”, Titanic, and Belfast city hall with a H&W crane in the background. Blenheim Drive, Newtownards.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2013 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X01602 [X01601] [X05167]
“We too are strong. We too are a threat to the oppressive enemy. We are revolutionaries. We are the other half of our revolutionary men. We are their equal halves.” Earth is contained within the symbol for woman. The IRA’s Maıréad Farrell is in the top left.
Next to Mac Bradaıgh.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2013 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X01600
Extramural Activity 