Eamonn Lafferty

“Vol Eamonn Lafferty killed on active service at this spot on the 18th Aug 1971 by Crown forces whilst defending his community. Eamonn was just 19 years old. Fuaır sé bás ar son na hÉıreann. Erected by the Eamonn Lafferty [Sınn Féın] Cumann [Fb]” Lafferty was killed in a gun-battle between the Derry Brigade and British Army forces who were attempting to dismantle barricades in republican “Free Derry”. The mural and plaque shown (and a headstone) are situated — as the mural states — in the location where he was killed, in Creggan’s Kildrum Gardens. (His body is buried in City Cemetery.)

This mural replaces a simpler mural at the same location – see Eamonn Lafferty. The headstone remains as before.

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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Billy McGreanery

“In memory of Billy McGreanery, an unarmed man, who was shot dead at this junction by a British soldier on 15 September 1971. In 2010, an official report into his shooting revealed that the then Attorney General was of the opinion that it was acceptable for British soldiers to shoot unarmed civilians. Erected by the Pat Finucane Centre.

“This junction” refers to the top of Westland Street. According to Sutton, McGreanery was shot by a sniper from the Army base in Bligh’s Lane.

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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RIP Gaddafi

Having ruled Libya since deposing the Senussi regime in 1969, Muammar Gaddafi was himself captured and killed by rebels on October 20th, 2011. He is remembered in this minor piece of Meenan Square, Derry, graffiti for providing the IRA with weapons and cash during the Troubles (WP | Middle East Eye).

Support for ETA (“ETA rule”) and Hamas can also be seen. “BRY” is Bogside Republican Youth.

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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Delivered

“Student Fees – Sınn Féın Manifesto 2011. *Sınn Féın opposed the introduction of student fees and continues to oppose student fees – including any increases. *We will block any attempts to raise the level of cap on student fees when it comes before the Executive.” Early in the year, an increase in fees from 3,500 pounds to 5,750 was suggested (BBC), but in September it was confirmed that they would not increase (BBC), which Sınn Féın here claim as having “Delivered”.

The asterisked sentences are from the manifesto for the Assembly Elections.

Rear of Free Derry Corner

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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John Mitchel

“John Mitchel 1815-1875. He took a prominent role in leading Ireland to be an independent nation.”

Mitchel was born near Dungiven but at age 8 the family moved to Newry, where Mitchel was schooled before entering Trinity College Dublin at age 15 (WP).

For his political life, see the post on the statue of Mitchel in downtown Newry.

Armagh Road, Newry

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BRAG

Mention of BRAG dates back to a 2009 threat made against traffic wardens and TV license inspectors (RN | BBC). The graffiti read “Bogside Republican Action Group”, “Beır bua”, “End sectarian marches now!” (with a petrol bomb “PB”). The last is perhaps a reference to the on-going contention over marches past the Ardoyne shops in Belfast (Guardian).

See previously: BRY-IRA

Bogside shops, Lecky Road/Meenan Square, Derry

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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