1981-2011

For the 30th anniversary of the second hunger strike, the mosaic portraits of the ten men to die (plus Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg) used at the Falls Road end of Beechmount Avenue to commemorate the 25th anniversary, are placed around the blanketmen board above the Clowney Street phoenix.

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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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In Vogue

This piece of wild-style writing by RASER and AKEN of TMN krew (which replaces last year’s eagle) is remarkable for its location, which is on the Falls Road just past the Falls/Glen roundabout (site of the former RUC barracks). As such, it is (still) the only piece of non-sectarian art in a CNR area. This wall is presumably painted with the permission (and perhaps at the invitation of) the owners of the salon.

Glen Parade, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Towards A New Republic – I dTreo Poblacht Nua

Sınn Féın’s 2011 ard fheıs (annual conference) was held in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.

Falls Road/Glen Road, west Belfast.

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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Alexandra Park “Peace” Line

A new gate has been installed in the Alexandra Park “peace” line, first erected in 1994, in order to separate the loyalist Mountcollyer and republican Newington neighbourhoods. It will be open during the day for a trial period of three months (BBC).

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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Loyalist Rathcoole

Loyalist Rathcoole, and more specifically UDA Rathcoole – the upper part of the estate is a UVF stronghold. Green End, Rathcoole.

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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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For Our People

The “Commando Memorial” stands 17 feet high near Lochaber in the Scottish highlands, in memory of the British Commando Forces created in WWII. It is depicted in this Red Hand Commando (B Company 1st Battalion) mural in Derrycoole Way, Rathcoole. Below the three commandos is one of the RHC mottos “It is not for glory or riches we fought but for our people.”

The RHC memorial is cut off on the left of the image.

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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Marky Quail

“In memory of a fallen comrade Vol. Mark Quail ‘Murdered by the enemies of Ulster’ 1st November 2000 3rd Belfast Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force. Lest we forget.” Quail was shot by the UDA in the feud (Sutton).

Innis Park, Rathcoole.

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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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99.9% Need Not Apply

“Rathcoole Red Hand Commando – The elite – Be the best – 99.9% need not apply.”

Derrycoole Way, Rathcoole, Newtownabbey.

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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Colin Caldwell

Memorial mural and plaque to the UVF’s Colin Caldwell. “In memory of a fallen comrade, Colin Ralph Caldwell, murdered, Crumlin Road jail, 28th November 1991. 3rd Belfast battalion, Ulster Volunteer Force. Lest we forget.” The bomb had been planted by the IRA, killing the UDA’s Robert Skey immediately (November 24th) and Caldwell, from his wounds, a few days later on the 28th. A flute band was named in Caldwell’s memory and had a board across the street: Colin Caldwell Memorial FB. Derry Hill, Rathcoole.

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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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