They Were Faithful And They Fought

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
M05152 [M05153] [M05156] M05157 M05154 [M05155]
2010 [M05793] [M05792] [M05791]

Óglach Caoımhín Mac Brádaıgh

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

“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

Still Not Free

Éırígí (web) board with the “Democratic Programme Of The first Dáıl Éıreann” 90 years ago in 1919, declaring “the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland, and to the unfettered control of Irish destinies”.

This is the first éırígí poster in the PM collection; previously we had only seen stencils (M04501 | M04535). It became a political party in 2007.

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
[M05138] M05139

Pat Finucane 1949-1989

“20 years on – time for the truth. Independent public inquiry now.” Solicitor Patrick Finucane was killed in front of his family by UDA member Ken Barrett in 1989. The UK government would admit collusion between the RUC and UDA concerning the case in 2011 but fail to order a public inquiry.

Falls Road/Glen Road, Belfast

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
M05137