The red Stevie McKeag mural (X00068 | M02479) is replaced by an (almost complete) image of Cuchulainn (Cú Chulaınn) under the shield of Northern Ireland.
Painted by Blaze FX. For the completed mural, see X00273.
Red Hand Commando volunteer Stevie McCrea was sentenced to 16 years for the murder of James Kerr in 1972 (Behind The Mask) and was subsequently “murdered by the enemies of Ulster” on February 18th, 1989 in an IPLO attack on the Orange Cross (see M00560 | WP). “For he shall not grow old as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary him nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember him.”
This is a repaint of the original mural to McCrea – see T00152.
McCrea is included on murals in south Belfast’s Frenchpark Street and Broadway (dating back to at least 1993).
“In loving memory of military commander Stevie ‘Top Gun’ McKeag. Born 1970, died 2000. Sleeping where no shadows fall.” McKeag was the top assassin in the UDA during the 1990s, claiming at least 12 victims. Both his WP page and this Guardian article describe his career and his – sometimes contentious – preeminent standing within the UDA.
On the side wall: “This mural portrays Protestant men defending their community which was subjected to constant attempts of ethnic cleansing with petrol bombing attacks of their homes on a day to day basis. Eventually vigillanty [sic] groups were formed to secure these areas.”
From the Belfast Telegraph: “Several hundred familys [sic] were forced to flee their homes last night as homes came under attack from republicans. The number homeless is running into several thousand, more people were moving out of riot areas today. The women and children have been offered shelter in cities across the sea. Security forces moved in to bring calm into riot areas.”
The Ulster Banner – the flag of the Northern Ireland government from 1924 to 1973 – is taken from the arms, shown here. The supporters are a lion – for the Ulster-Scots – and an elk – for the Irish (WP).
These three are all from Carlow Street. In the first image, the “UFF” lettering has been over-painted with “UVF”. This is a vintage “bare background” (the wall is not completely painted) mural, dating back perhaps to 1994.
“Pte William McFadzean, 36th (Ulster) Division (109 Brigade), 9th October 1895-1st July 1916, Age 20, Victoria Cross.” McFadzean earned the VC for throwing himself on some live grenades that had fallen into the trench. To the left and right are the emblems of the 36th Division and the Ulster Volunteer Force.