Understand The Past

“Understand the past – and build a better future le chéıle Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter.” “The past” in this case is the Battle Of St Matthew’s (“Chath Naomh Máıtıú”), one of the formative events of the Provisional IRA (“Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann”) (WP). The “better future” is symbolised by the dove and the absence of a weapon in the arms of the central figures – compare to this Derry mural from 1985. The mural was unveiled as part of the commemorative events to mark the 40th anniversary of the Battle.

Mountpottinger Street, Belfast.

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
M05647

The Battle Of St Matthews

Henry McIlhone died in the Battle Of St Matthew’s, 27th June 1970 (along with McCurrie and Neill). There is also a memorial cross. James George and Bobby Jennings are recognized for their long-time contributions to the Short Strand community. The plaque was unveiled as part of the commemorative events to mark the 40th anniversary of the Battle.

“Cuıreadh an leac seo ın aırde ı ndíl [ndıl] chuımhne ar na daoıne ó pharóıste Naomh Maıtıú, a thug a gcuıd ama, a saoırse agus a mbeo leıs an cheantar seo agus a phobal a chosaınt, go mórmhór le lınn luatha tréımhse na coımhlınte seo. Ar an dóıgh chéanna lean sıad traıdısıún a thoısıgh sna 1920aí ı ndıaıdh críochdheıghılt ı gceantar macasamhaıl Baıle Mhıc Aırt an fód ın aghaıdh leatroım, an ıdırdhealaıthe agus ın éadan bagaırt an bháıs orthu. Tháınıg sıad le chéıle le sábháılteacht a muıntıre féın a chınntıú. Tá roınnt de na laochra sıúd ar shlí na fırınne anoıs, ach maıreann a gcrógacht agus a gcríonnacht go fóıll agus beıdh cuımhne agaınn ar an héachtraí a rınne sıad go deo na ndeor.”

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
M05645 [M05646]

Cuba – Fifty Years Of Revolution

2010 image of the 2009 Cuba mural, with the word “Venceremos” added on the left-hand side.

Pro-Cuba mural on the international wall and criticism of the Obama regime’s continuation of the US blockade. “The world opposes US blockade of Cuba. Time for a change Mr Obama.” “UN General Assembly resolution Oct 2008. Countries opposed to the blockade: 185. Countries in favour: 3 (US, Israel, Palau)”. “¡Aqui no se rinde nadie!” [There’s no giving up here!]

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
M05637

Falls Curfew July 1970

2010 mural (unveiled July 4th on the 40th anniversary) of Máıre Drumm (WP) and the women of West Belfast breaking the British army curfew of the Lower falls in 1970 (brief interview footage from the 9:00 minute mark). Máıre Drumm was later shot dead in her bed in the Mater hospital where she was a patient.

The commemorative plaque that was next to Elaine’s and the Sınn Féın office was later moved to the top right corner of the mural. [M05736]

International wall, Divis St, Belfast. (A shot of this mural being painted can be found here.)

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
M05636

Éıst Le Raıdıó Fáılte

“Belfast’s Irish language radio station”, “Guth nua Gaeılge”, “An Irish voice for all”, “Glór Beo Bríomhar” [An active, vigorous, voice]. Raıdıó Fáılte (Welcome Radio) broadcasts at 107.1 FM and raıdıofaılte.com.

International Wall (Visual History), Divis Street, Belfast

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
M05635

Ag Fíorú Na Ceathrún Gaeltachta

“Ag fıorú [sic] na ceathrún gaeltachta”/”Delivering on the Gaeltacht quarter”. Laochra Loch Lao [Belfast Lough Warriors] is a Gaelic-games club operating through Irish. The club’s emblem is the blackbird, from the ninth-century poem: “Int én bec/ro léıc feıt/do rınn guıp/glanbuıdı:/fo-ceırd faíd/ós Loch Laíg,/lon do chraíb/charnbuıdı.” “The little bird/that whistled shrill/from the nib of/its yellow bill/a note let go/o’er Belfast Lough/a blackbird from/a yellow whin” (Ciaran Carson’s translation). With support from Forbaırt Feırste.

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
M05634

Barbarian Israeli Aggression

Updated pro-Palestinian mural on the so-called “International Wall.” For the original, see M03990. Centrally “We will return” has become “‘This is a war crime!’ – Yonaton Shapira, Israeli refusnik.” Shapira is a former Israeli pilot.

“Free Palestine from 60 years of Nakba! End this barbarian Israeli aggression! You destroy our home but we build a nation. 1300 slaughtered.”

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
M04821

FC Sankt Pauli

St Pauli is a Hamberg soccer club with a wide following due to the “gegen Rechts” [against the right] philosophy of its fans. Its supporters clubs can be found in places as far-flung as Belfast, Liverpool, Bilbao, Stockholm, San Francisco, and (naturally!) St Paul (Minnesota, USA).

Northumberland Street, Belfast

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
M05633

The United Strength

“Republican Network For Unity – “It is futile to say that partition will end if we are patient. The border will not fade away, nor partition be ended until such time as the united strength is used in the supreme effort to get rid of it” – Cmdt General Tom Barry” Tom Barry’s quote serves as inspiration for the recently-formed (2007) RNU.

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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Prisoners’ Human Rights

IRSP supports political prisoners human rights in Maghaberry.” The red stars in the panel on the right are held over from the previous ‘George Dubya Bush – war criminal‘ mural. The panel to the left, and the ‘plough in the stars over Long Kesh’ are new (late 2009).

Northumberland Street, Belfast

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
M05629 M05630