Gerald McAuley

“In memory of Fıan Gerald McAuley (aged 15) killed while defending the people of Clonard on the 15th August 1969. Erected by the Greater Clonard Ex-Prisoners Association.” McAuley was killed during the riots in August 1969 that mark the start of “the Troubles” (An Phoblacht). The plaque is near the spot where he was killed. His portrait was above the No Decommision mural and then in the Never Again mural in Bombay Street.

Waterville Street, Belfast

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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Bryson-Mulvenna

A second plaque has been added to the mural of Patrick Mulvenna and Jim Bryson and the mural itself has been refreshed: the lark in the apex has been replaced by funeral trappings and the knot-work frame has been painted over.

“In proud and loving memory of Óglach Patrick Mulvenna, shot dead by British crown forces near this spot while an active service, 31st August 1973, and of his comrade Óglach Jim Bryson, also shot and died of his wounds, 22nd September 1973. Belfast Brigade Óglaigh na hÉıreann. I measc laoachra na nGael go raıbh sıad.”

Ballymurphy Road, Belfast

For the other, original, plaque and the original mural, see Bryson-Mulvenna.

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Copyright © 2013/2011 Peter Moloney
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Freedom Of Speech

“Freedom Of Speech” was the name given to a piece that the Bogside Artists did during a stay at Hanover College in November 2010, during a tour of the USA. In that piece, the mouth was closed with plain red tape (Hanover) but for this local version, the mouth is closed with tape that combines the Union Flag with green and orange strands.

As the second image shows, the piece did not last long when put outside – the difference in date between the two images is four days.

Rossville St, Derry

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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March Of Truth

The Ballymurphy Massacre took place at the introduction of internment on August 9th, 1971. 11 people were killed by British Army paratroopers over the course of three days. For more background see Ballymurphy Massacre. 2011 is the 30th anniversary and the campaign for truth and justice continues with a ‘march for truth’. The board in the first image was painted by Mo Chara Kelly. The play advertised in the second image is Ballymurphy – The Aftermath, written by Brenda Murphy, directed by Pam Brighton and playing at Conway Mill.

Springfield Road and Whiterock Road, Belfast

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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Topper Thompson

“In memory of Topper Thompson, murdered by British death squads, 27th April 1994, aged 25. Deeply missed but never forgotten. Erected by his friends.” Paul ‘Topper’ Thompson was killed by the UDA on April 27th, 1994. Collusion is alleged – see Relatives For Justice.

Springfield Park, Belfast

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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The Spirit Of Freedom

There are a couple of interesting elements in this 30th anniversary hunger strikers mural in the Bogside. The frame is formed by chains (as seen previously on the Bobby Sands mural in Belfast) rather than knot-work, the names of Frank Stagg and Michael Gaughan are mixed into the list (rather than appearing together at the beginning or end), both the lark and the dove are included, and – most unusual and possibly unique – is the Irish translation of Bobby Sands’s saying “Our revenge will be the laughter of our children”: Baınfear ár ndíoltas amach leıs an gháıre dár bpáıstí. (And, as a super-extra bonus, the Irish has been – correctly – painted without tittles.)

“Derry remembers 1980-1981 hunger strikes. Re-dedication of mural 20th August 2011 on the 30th anniversary of Óglach Mickey Devine.”

Westland Street, Bogside, Derry

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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