They Weren’t Criminals Then

“1981 – hungerstrikers gain political status; 1998 – Good Friday Agreement signs it away; 2006 – political prisoners are again denied political status. Re-instate political status now!” “The hunger strikers died for political status”. “They weren’t criminals then! They still aren’t now!”. Boards on the railings outside the IRSP offices on the Falls Road.

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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So It Will Be To The End

“I ndíl [ndıl] chuımhne ar Óglach Paul Fox A-Coy 2 Batt Belfast Brigade, died on active service 1-12-1975, Óglach Sean Bailey A-Coy 2 Batt Belfast Brigade, died at this location on active service 13-2-1976, Óglach Paul Marlowe A-Coy 2 Batt Belfast Brigade, died on active service 16-10-1976, Óglach Tony Campbell died of natural causes 4-8-1985. I measc laochra na hÉıreann atá sıad. In every generation we have renewed the struggle and so it will be to the end. When England thinks she has trampled out our blood in battle, some brave men and women rise and rally us again.”

All three 1970s deaths were by premature bomb explosion.

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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A Generation Remembers

“A generation remembers the hungerstrike martyrs.” On the 25th anniversary of the 1981 hunger strike, portraits of the strikers (including Gaughan and Stagg from the 70s) were displayed on the railings of Dunville Park, Falls Road, Belfast.

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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Twinbrook Final Salute

Three generations of republicans, from the Troubles, the Rising, and the Rebellion, salute “F[rankie] Ryan, B[obby] Sands, J[ohn] Rooney, G[erard] Fennell, B[artholomew] Teeling”. The first four are modern IRA volunteers; the last is a United Irishman from Lisburn (Rebel Breeze has a full account of his deeds).

For an unspoiled view, see J0194.

Juniper Way, Twinbrook, Dunmurry

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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Remember The Hunger Strikers

“Remember the hunger strikers, 25th anniversary.” Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg, who died on hunger strikes in 1974 and 1976 and included in a line of portraits alongside nine of the deceased 1981 hunger strikers; Bobby Sands is shown in the large mural on the right hand side, next to blanket men Hugh Rooney and Freddie Toal.

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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