Belfast west

Kidso Reilly

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“This plaque is dedicated to the memory of Thomas (Kidso) Reilly, murdered by British crown forces 9th August 1983, aged 22 years. Never forgotten by his many friends and his good friend CROOP RIP. May they rest in peace. You’ll never walk alone.”

Thomas “Kidso” Reilly was a brother of Jim Reilly of Stiff Little Fingers and was working as road manager for Bananarama when killed on the Springfield Road on August 9, 1983. Ian Thain, of the Light Infantry regiment, was convicted of his murder. He served less than three years before being released and rejoining the army (like Lee Clegg). 

Reilly was a fan of Glasgow Celtic FC – the already existing plaque to Reilly in Turf Lodge was dedicated by Trinity Lodge Celtic Supporters Club: see Kidso Reilly.

Springfield Road, Belfast

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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Brian Stewart

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“In loving memory of Brian Stewart aged 13, murdered by a British Army plastic bullet. Born 13th October 1963, died 10th October 1976. Erected by Brian’s family and friends.” Brian Stewart died six days after being hit by a plastic bullet fired by the King’s Own Scottish Borders near his Turf Lodge Home. He was buried three days later, on October 13th – what would have been his fourteenth birthday. (For the long search for justice, see sister Marie Stewart | sceptic peg | saoirse32).

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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The Road To Freedom Is Paved With Suffering

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“I ndıl chuımhne: fuaır sıad bás ag troıd ar son saoırse agus muıntır na hÉıreann. In proud memory of the volunteers of Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann and dedicated friends of the republican movement from the greater Turf Lodge area who died fighting for the establishment of a socialist republic. … Go ndéanfar cuımhne orthú go deo. ‘Carry on. No matter what odds are against you, no matter what the enemy call you, no matter what torments are inflicted on you, the road to freedom is paved with suffering, hardships and torture, carry on, my gallant comrades, until that certain day’ – Tom Williams. We also remember the civilians who were murdered by British crown forces, loyalist extremists, and enemies of Ireland.”

The main panel, memorial plaque to Willie Rossini of Glasgow, and the dedication plaque – by Lily Fitzsimons, a local activist (dating back to the Relatives Action Committees) and SF councillor, were seen previously in 1999. The other three plaques are new. (“Neamhfholaıgh” seems to be a conjunction of translations of the English words “un” and “cover”; the Irish for the verb “to bare” (or as here,”unveil”) is “nocht”.)

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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Bunting & Little

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“In proud and loving memory of our fallen comrades. Arm saoirse náısunta [náısıúnta] ná hÉıreann. Vol Ronnie Bunting, assassinated 15 Oct. 1980, Vol Noel Little, assassinated 15 Oct. 1980. Through the mist of time they will never be forgotten. Erected by the Irish Republican Socialist Ex-Prisoners Memorial Committee.” Bunting and Little of the INLA were shot and killed at Bunting’s Downfine Gardens home by the UDA. Bunting’s wife was shot in the face but survived. (WP)

Downfine Gardens, Belfast

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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Fıan John Dempsey

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“I ndıl chuımhne Fıan John Dempsey killed in action 8th July 1981. Unveiled by his family 5th May 2003. Proudly remembered by his comrades and friends from Turf Lodge. Mol na nóıge [mol an óige] agus tıocfaıdh sí.” The sixteen-year-old Dempsey was shot by a British Army sniper during an attack on the Falls bus depot. Gerry Adams wrote a memorial in An Phoblacht.

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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Frankie Ryan & Patricia Black

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“In memory of Vol. Frankie Ryan, Vol. Patricia Black, Óglaigh Na hÉireann, both killed in action (Eng) 15th Nov. 1991.” The pair were killed by a premature bomb explosion St Albans in Hertfordshire, England. Their target was the British Army military band, which was scheduled to play in the town centre (QURC).

The pair are also remembered by a large boulder at the top of Bell Steele Road.

Woodside, Belfast

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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Damien Walsh

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“In loving memory of Damien Walsh ages 17 years murdered for his faith 25th March 1993. Also in remembrance of all the victims of this area. A Mhuıre banríon na nGaeıl guıgh orthu.” Sutton gives the first name as “Damian”. Shot by the UFF at Dairy Farm shopping centre, where he worked, and site of the plaque.

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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Eddie Doherty

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“Ballymurphy Massacre – Eddie Doherty – murdered by British Army 10 August 1971, aged 31, father of 4, corporation worker.”

Doherty was shot by a British Army soldier, one of 24 people to die as internment was introduced in August, 1971 (BelTel | Irish Story). The plaque is at the spot where Doherty was shot, on the Whiterock Road at Brittons Parade, Belfast. Profile at ballymurphymassacre.com.

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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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