CNR

Republican Gravestones

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These three IRA gravestones are in Derry City Cemetery. The first is to Hugh and Susan Morrison, IRA and Cumann na mBan members in 1922 (findagrave/Derry Journal). Hugh died from a premature bomb explosion during a gun-battle at Skeog/Skeoge (p. 41 of 1916 Derry Rising Revisited). Brothers John and Hugh Gallagher – John was “killed in June [1920] Derry riots” while Hugh was “shot by Free State soldiers at Drumboe Castle [holding centre]” in 1922. Finally, John Starrs, killed in a gun battle with the British Army in William Street, in 1972.

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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
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Patrick Sheils

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A plaque “dedicated to the memory of Patrick Shiels Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann 1878-1957. Erected by the republican movement 11th April 2007 to mark his 50th anniversary. I measc laochra na nGael go raıbh sé” is added to the Operation Motorman mural in Rossville Street, Derry. Paddy Shiels took part in the Easter Rising and was later Derry OC. See BMH testimony #676 by Liam Brady.

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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
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Bernadette

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The Bernadette mural by the Bogside Artists is prepared for an update, ten years after originally being painted, in 1997.

“The Artists’ first coloured mural is a tribute to the women of Derry and their role in the civil rights campaign. Bernadette Devlin, Britain’s youngest MP, addresses the crowd during the Battle of the Bogside: her actions resulted in a six month jail sentence for inciting and taking part in a riot. The woman to her left bangs a dustbin lid on the ground to alert neighbours to the arrival of the authorities. The triable motif inspired by the gable end is repeated throughout the painting. Our job is to do justice to our history and the price people have paid for their democratic rights. That’s what we are about.“

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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
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Let Us Swear By Joe’s Martyred Blood

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“This plaque commemorates IRA vol. Joe McDonnell who lived in this house prior to his capture on 14th Oct 1976. Joe later died at 5.11 am on 8th July 1981 after 61 days on hunger strike in the h blocks Long Kesh. ‘Let us swear by Joe’s martyred blood never to waver of fail til the true united Irish socialist republic stands forth before the nations, a testimony to the worthiness of our case.’ Óglach calma dobhrıste. [A strong, unbreakable volunteer]”

Lenadoon Avenue, Belfast

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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
M03539

The Famine

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“Nature sent the potato blight, government & landlords created the famine.” 1845-1849 saw one million Irish people die and a million more emigrate. During the period, the full range of other foodstuffs was produced and shipped to England, being too expensive for the native population.

Lenadoon Avenue, Belfast

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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
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