Area Affiliation

These Are Times That Try Men’s Souls

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Portraits of, and quotes from, Mary Ann McCracken (“What a wonderful clamour is now raised at the name of union, when in reality there has always been such a union between England and this country, as there is between husband and wife by which the former has the power to oppress the latter.”) and her older brother Henry Joy McCracken (“These are the times that try men’s souls … the rich always betray the poor.”). The two – sister and brother – were Presbyterians and republicans. Henry led the Antrim uprising of the United Irishmen in 1798 and was executed for it; Mary Ann was an abolitionist and social reformer.

New Lodge Road, north Belfast

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Copyright © 1997 Peter Moloney
M01348

William Drennan

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William Drennan, 1754-1820, was a doctor, poet, Presbyterian, one of the founders of the Society of United Irishmen, and the first person to refer to Ireland as “the Emerald Isle”, in his poem When Erin First Rose. The words in this mural are the epitaph on his stone in Clifton Street Cemetery: “Pure, just, benign. Thus filial love would trace the virtues, hollowing [sic] this narrow space. The Emerald Isle may grant a wider claim and link the patriot with his country’s name.”

Ludlow Square, New Lodge, north Belfast.

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Copyright © 1997 Peter Moloney
M01349

On Again

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A mural of traditional republican symbols – armed and masked volunteers with celtic cross, phoenix, pikes, Tricolour and Sunburst flags – but unusual for 1997. Perhaps it dates to the period before the second/renewed ceasefire, on July 19th. Stanfield Place, Belfast. M01346

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Copyright © 1997 Peter Moloney
M01346

Keep The Orange Order Out

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Two boards in Welsh Street, south Belfast: “Vote Sınn Féın’s [Seán] Hayes. Keep the Orange Order out. May 21st No. 1” and “93% Protestant, 100% Unionist – Disband the RUC.” The figure on the left is a three-in-one RUC officer, Orange Order member, and loyalist paramilitary. Hayes was elected fourth from the Laganbank district, taking a seat from the SDLP.

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Copyright © 1997 Peter Moloney
M01345

Approved Orange Route

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The “approved Orange route” – approved by the “SS” RUC and the Parades Commission Chairman, is right over Catholics. The march was cancelled on July 11th after opposition to marches in many places, including the Drumcree march of July 6th. “June 20” (on the right of the mural) is the date Mo Mowlam (Beware!) is reported to have decided to force the Drumcree march down Garvaghy Road.

Dromara Street, south Belfast

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Copyright © 1997 Peter Moloney
M01338 M01339