Belfast west

Ballymurphy Massacre

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11 Catholic civilians from Ballymurphy were shot and killed by British Army paratroopers on August 9th-11th, during the initial wave of internment. Father Hugh Mullan, the second to be killed, is shown in the cross-hairs of a rifle’s sight, waving a baby’s onesie as he goes to the aid of a wounded man (Bobby Clarke). “Time for truth, time for justice. The families demand … an international independent investigation surrounding all of the deaths … the British government to issue a statement of innocence and a public apology.” “57 children left without a parent. Hundreds [of other children never got to meet their granny, granda, aunt or uncle.]” The blank panel is for “Family Messages”.

For the anti-joy-riding board on the gable, see Where’s The Joy?

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
M05265 M05264 [M05263] M05266 M05268 M05267
2010 [M06142]

Jim McKernan

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“I ndıl cuimhne [chuimhne] Óglach Jim McKernan executed by the British Army near this spot 14th September 1986. Fuaır sé bás ar son saoırse na hÉıreann. [He died for the cause of Ireland’s freedom]” McKernan was killed in a gun battle between an IRA unit and a British Army foot patrol. Andersonstown Road at Ballyowen.

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
M05160

They Were Faithful And They Fought

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The main plaque (shown first above) is new; like its predecessor (see M02186)  list of the local dead of the IRA 1st battalion, Belfast brigade and related members of the republican movement. (A shorter list is on the plaque to the left, shown second.) There is also a 200th anniversary plaque for the 1798 rebellion: “1798-1998 Who Fears To Speak Of 98. This plaque was erected to the memory of the United Irishmen who gave their lives for Irish freedom also those who died as a result of the Great Hunger. ‘These are the times that try mens’ souls.’ [- Thomas Paine] The rich always betray the poor.’ – Henry Joy McCracken.” The memorial garden is next to the Andersonstown Social Club (a.k.a. the PD or “People’s Democracy”).

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
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2010 [M05793] [M05792] [M05791]

Óglach Caoımhín Mac Brádaıgh

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Óglach Caoımhín Mac Brádaıgh was killed by the UDA’s Michael Stone during the latter’s attack on mourners in Milltown cemetery at the funerals of the Gibraltar 3 in March 1988. The board was originally on the main Andersonstown Road (see M04031).

South Link, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
M05147 [M05151]

Coıste Chontae Aontroma CLG

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“Coıste Chontae Aontroma CLG 125 Blıaın. Cluıchí, cultúr agus teanga.” [County Antrim GAA Committee, 125th anniversary]

Casement Park, named after Roger Casement (depicted in the lower right knotwork WP), was opened in 1953, blessed by Cardinal D’Alton, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland (shown in the medallion towards the bottom right). The central figure is from Jim Fitzpatrick’s ‘Hurling Match‘ and is presumably intended to show Setanta, who became Cú Chulaınn by (in one version) killing Culann’s hound with a slıotar.

(Victor Patterson has an image of a British Army post being constructed on the pitch.)

Andersonstown Road, west Belfast. (The same image would later be used on the bookies at bottom of Whiterock Road. See X00549)

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
M05144