Belfast west

Divis Flats

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Four images from Divis Flats, Belfast, in 1985.  First and second, the two murals in the middle of the complex, both from 1981, one to INLA volunteers Matt McLarnon (killed in action on 12 May, 1981) and Danny Loughran (killed by the OIRA on 5 April, 1975) and the other (on the left) a street scene from yesteryear, part of the City Council’s Community Services programme from 1977 to 1981 (see chapter 2 of Bill Rolston’s Politics & Painting). Third, “Touts beware”. Fourth, “Stop the strip searches” on the top of the flats (to the right of faded “Divis Flats supports the hunger strikers”).

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Copyright © 1985 Peter Moloney
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Unity Flats

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Four pieces of graffiti from Unity Flats. “1971 No Trials, 1984 Show Trials” (referring to the Supergrass system) along with “IRSP” (Irish Republican Socialist Party) and “FSLN” (Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional), a red star and a sickle; “If you want the RUC in Newry, ring 999 and ask for 9” (referring to a February 1985 mortar attack that killed 9 officers); “Kirkpatrick Paid Informer” (referring to the INLA’s Harry Kirkpatrick (WP); and “INLA-Freedom”.

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Copyright © 1985 Peter Moloney
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An Phoblacht

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Here – badly damaged – is the first mural in Sevastopol Street, Belfast, showing workers reading the paper against the background of an edition of the paper commemorating the Easter Rising. “Official organ of the Republican Movement: Contents include War News, Features, IRA Statement, Prison News from Ireland & England, News from throughout the 32 Counties, Solidarity News from Abroad.” The emblem of the United Irishmen – a maid of Erin harp with the words “Equality – It is new strung and shall be heard” – is in the top left.

“Painted by Beechmount & Iveagh Sınn Féın Youth.”

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Copyright © 1985 Peter Moloney
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Struggle For Freedom

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This two-part mural in Forest Street, Belfast, features (left) a Sunburst and a Starry Plough on either side of two volunteers who are watching the sun rise/set and (right) “Struggle for freedom” below an outline of the island against the green-white-and-gold stripes of the tricolour.

This mural dates back to 1981.

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Copyright © 1985 Peter Moloney
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Women In Armed Struggle

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“Solidarity between women in armed struggle” across the world: female members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), Cumann Na mBan, and the Southwest African People’s Organisation (from Namibia) drawn within the symbol for woman (also the planet Venus in astrology). The mural (or perhaps the wall) was “Improved by Sınn Féın Youth” and on the side-wall: “Cowardly loyalists backout”. Falls Road, Belfast

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Copyright © 1985 Peter Moloney
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1916-1982/Break Thatcher’s Back

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Here is a 1982 image of the Break Thatcher’s Back mural in Rockmore Road, Belfast, showing a blanket man with outstretched arms demanding “status now”, framed by a large “H” and surrounded by barbed wire, Tricolours, and the Starry Plough. In 1981, there was a Sean O’Casey quote on the left, rather than a lily and the year of the Easter Rising — 1916. “Free Belfast” in the top left.

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Copyright © 1982 LC
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