Republican graffiti in New Lodge flats: “INLA” and James Connolly’s quote “The great only appear great because we are on our knees. Let us rise.” “Provos” has been whited out, below.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 1990 Peter Moloney
M00899
The Great Only Appear Great
Peter Moloney Collection 
The is a quote from James Larkin. Irish Trade union leader and founder of the ITGWU now SIPTU
LikeLike
Eamonn – We believe that it was popularised in Ireland by Connolly, and originally from France.
https://www.marxists.org/archive/connolly/1897/xx/qundimnd.htm
https://www.historyireland.com/20th-century-contemporary-history/an-inspiration-to-all-who-gaze-upon-it/
Of course, which of them – JC or JL – inspired the graffitist is unknown!
The phrase is attributed to Connolly in this mural:
https://petermoloneycollection.wordpress.com/1981/03/04/let-us-rise/
All the best
LikeLike