Here is a final float from the March For Truth, with a blanket man on the “dirty” or “no wash” protest. The last six of the deceased 1981 hunger strikers are portrayed along the skirting of the van.
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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
M03761
“I ndıl chuımhne – this plaque is dedicated to all those from the greater Newington area who lost their lives as a result of the conflict in this country.” Pikemen from the 1798 uprising flank a phoenix, with portraits above of Wolfe Tone, James Connolly, Henry Joy McCracken, and Mary Ann McCracken.
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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
M03673 M03672 [M03674] M03671
Michael “Mickey” (though here “Micky”) Devine was a founder member of the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) in his native Derry (The Plough & The Stars) and also of the INLA (IRSP Derry). The mural on the gable shown above includes the socialist symbols of the red star and the plough, great bear (ursa major), or “big dipper” shining over the towers of Long Kesh, where Devine died on the 21st of August, 1981, after 60 days on hunger strike, the tenth and final striker to die.
Fern Road, Derry
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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
[M03646] M03647
2007 image of the Chemical Street mural to hunger striker Mickey Devine seen previously in 2006 (including the dedication in the frame).
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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
M03623
2007 image of the 1981 hunger strike 25th anniversary board in Bleach Green/Main Street, Dungiven, seen previously in 2006.
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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
M03622
“In proud and loving memory of Vol. Kevin Lynch and his comrades who gave their lives on hunger strike … and all those who fought in the cause of Irish freedom. Ar dheıs Dé go raıbh a n-anam uasal.”
Main Street, Dungiven
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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
M03621 [M03619] [M03620]
“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
“Our rulers will stop at nothing to attain their ends. They will continue to rule and rob until confronted by men who will stop at [nothing to overthrow them].” The quote is from James Connolly on Conscription. Local volunteer Joe McDonnell is portrayed between the names of the ten deceased 1981 hunger strikers.
Lenadoon Avenue, Belfast
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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
M03537
For the 25th anniversary of the 1981 hunger strike [staılc ocraıs], a prisoner reaches for a lark (the spirit of freedom) bathed in sunbeams like a beatific vision. “Go dtreoraí cuımhne bhur níobaırtí agus íobaırtí denár dtírghráthóırí náısıún beo bocht chun bua.” [“May the memory of your sacrifices and the sacrifices of our patriots guide a desperate nation to victory.”] The sentence is attributed to Bobby Sands but the source is unknown – please get in touch if you can place it.
Andersonstown Road, Belfast
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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
M03534
“I gcuımhne ar Vol. Kieran Doherty TD, [IRA] Brıogáıd Bhéal Feırste, of 54 Commedagh Drive, rugadh 16ú Deıreadh Fómhaır 1955, elected TD for Cavan/Monaghan 18th June 1981, a fuaır bás 2ú Lúnasa 1981, after 73 days on hunger strike in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh. ‘It is not those who can inflict the most, but those who can endure the most, who will conquer in the end.’ [paraphrase of Terence MacSwiney]” The memorial stone is in Commedagh Drive, Belfast, just west of Doherty’s home, where there is a plaque to mark his residence “Vol Kieran Doherty T.D. lived here 16-10-1955 – 2-8-1981 Fuaır sé bás as son saoırse na hÉıreann”.
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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
M03532 [M03531] [M03533]
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
M09483
Peter Moloney Collection 