Stages of the “conveyor belt” – arrest by the Army, trial before a Diplock court, strip searches in Long Kesh and Armagh, the dirty protest, supported by an RAC [Relatives Action Committee], and finally, hunger strikes – are recreated in murals and reenactments on flat-bed lorries along the Falls Road for the 25th anniversary of the 1981 hunger strike.
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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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The events commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 1981 hunger strikes included this (temporary) stage and mural (including Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg) on the site of the former Andersonstown RUC barracks.
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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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“1981 – hungerstrikers gain political status; 1998 – Good Friday Agreement signs it away; 2006 – political prisoners are again denied political status. Re-instate political status now!” “The hunger strikers died for political status”. “They weren’t criminals then! They still aren’t now!”. Boards on the railings outside the IRSP offices on the Falls Road.
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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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Ceramic mosaics of the ten deceased 1981 hunger strikers, with brass name plaques, are mounted at the corner of Beechmount Avenue and the Falls Road (which his its own Visual History page), for the 25th anniversary of the strike.
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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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This vintage mural (possibly dating back to 1999 if the same as J0285) shows an IRA volunteer with an RPG, in front of Starry Plough and Tricolour, with (two of) the four provinces on the right.
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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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“I ndíl [ndıl] chuımhne ar Óglach Paul Fox A-Coy 2 Batt Belfast Brigade, died on active service 1-12-1975, Óglach Sean Bailey A-Coy 2 Batt Belfast Brigade, died at this location on active service 13-2-1976, Óglach Paul Marlowe A-Coy 2 Batt Belfast Brigade, died on active service 16-10-1976, Óglach Tony Campbell died of natural causes 4-8-1985. I measc laochra na hÉıreann atá sıad. In every generation we have renewed the struggle and so it will be to the end. When England thinks she has trampled out our blood in battle, some brave men and women rise and rally us again.”
All three 1970s deaths were by premature bomb explosion.
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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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“I await the lark, for spring is all but upon us – Bobby Sands”. “This mural is dedicated in memory of the hunger H-Block martyrs. Unveiled by Mrs Fox, 4th March 2001.”
Iveagh Street, west Belfast
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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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“A generation remembers the hungerstrike martyrs.” On the 25th anniversary of the 1981 hunger strike, portraits of the strikers (including Gaughan and Stagg from the 70s) were displayed on the railings of Dunville Park, Falls Road, Belfast.
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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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“National hunger strike rally. Cuımhnígí ar na staılceoırí. Sunday 13 August 2006. Main assembly Dunville Park 1pm. Rally @ Casement Park 3pm. Gerry Adams main speaker plus guests.” Above Davitts club on the Falls Road, Belfast.
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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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Spectators in Londonderry line the route of an Apprentice Boys re-enactment of the Siege of Derry. The “wombles” are the UDA, named for their fur-lined parkas (see Nelson Drive Wombles).
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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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Peter Moloney Collection 