Ballymena

For Valour

Extramural Activity1 Comment

This WWI Victoria Cross mural was launched in December, 2014 (NI World), replacing Fight To A Finish. The soldier doesn’t appear to be anyone in particular; the only VC winner from Ballymena was from the Boer War (VC Online).

There are three plaques on the sides, added at various times over the years. On the right, two to James Aberdeen: “In loving memory of our brother Jimmy Aberdeen 28th Aug 1965 – 20th Nov 1995. Forever in our thoughts.” “In memory of James Aberdeen from the members of the Young Loyalist F.B. Pollok, Glasgow. Always remembered.” And on the left: “In loving memory of Charles Robertson 17/07/56 to 25/06/07. A father, grandfather a brother and loyal friend to all hands across the water.”

Drumtara, Ballymena

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Copyright © 2016 Peter Moloney
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The Lion Wears The Crown

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This Ballee Flute Band mural (formerly for the Ballee Blues And Royals) shows the ‘lion and the unicorn’ from the UK coat of arms. The lion (England) wears a crown but the unicorn (Scotland) does not, since, as the nursery rhyme has it, “the lion beat the unicorn all around the town” (WP).

However, in place of the Royal Standard’s crest and “honi soit qui mal y pense” and “Dieu et mon droit” inscriptions, we find the Bible, “Drumtara”, and “In God we trust”.

Behind are the Union Flag and the flags of the Apprentice Boys and the Orange Order.

Ballee Way, Ballymena

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Copyright © 2016 Peter Moloney
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Loyal Drumtara

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Emblem of the 36th (Ulster) Division, King Billy, and the Holy Bible, all in an orange-and-purple frame topped with a crown.

For a close-up of the plaque (in a different location?), see Fame’s Eternal Camping Ground.

“BYD” is possibly Ballee Young Defenders.

Drumtara, Ballymena

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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Fight To A Finish

Extramural Activity3 Comments

This is the updated version of a mural seen previously in 2007. The main panels remain the same, but the apex has been changed from Orange Order flag and St Andrew’s Saltire to a ribbon read “Fight to a finish”, with shamrocks.

Drumtara, Ballymena

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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