“Died before surrender – 5th May – 20th August 1981”. For the 30th anniversary of the 1981 hunger strike, portraits of the ten deceased hunger strikers on either side of a Long Kesh watch-tower. “Erected by Newry Independent Republican 1918 Committee”.
Camlough Road and – with James Connolly stencils by éırígí (web) – Canal Street, Newry
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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This is the 2012 instantiation of a tradition on the Twinbrook shops of marking the anniversary of the 1981 hunger strike (though portraits of Frank Stagg and Michael Gaughan are included). The tradition began in 2006 with the 25th anniversary | 27th anniversary | 29th anniversary | 30th anniversary.
Twinbrook Road, Dunmurry
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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Local IRA volunteers are commemorated in multiple stones in the Twinbrook memorial garden. On the main wall – which is a new addition – are listed Sean Keenan, Michael Ferguson, Lily Campbell, Mary Keenan, Eddie Keenan, Mary McKee, Hugh McKee. On the obelisk on the left (see previously Twinbrook & Poleglass IRA) are Gerard Fennell, John Rooney, Bobby Sands, Frankie Ryan. On the stone to the right – which was previously outside the railings (see M03008) – are the twelve deceased Troubles-era hunger strikers.
“The day will dawn when the people of Ireland will show this desire for freedom. It’s then we will see the rising of the moon. [– Bobby Sands’s prison diary]”
“I have sacrificed for the republic all that man holds dear – my wife, my children, my liberty, my life. – Wolfe Tone”
“The road for suffering is paved with suffering, hardships and torture, carry on my gallant and brave comrades until that certain day. – Tom Williams”
“I too have fought for my freedom not only in captivity but also outside where my country is held captive. I have the spirit of freedom that cannot be quenched. [– Bobby Sands]”
“This monument has been re-dedicated by the people of Twinbrook and Poleglass in honour of those volunteers of Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann who gave their lives for Irish freedom.”
Gardenmore Road, Twinbrook, Dunmurry
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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“Sınn Féın national hunger strike commemoration – 2012. March & rally – 2 pm Sunday 5th August, Dungiven – Co. Derry. Main speaker Michelle O’Neill MLA. Dungiven 81 Committee/1981 Dún Geımhın.” There is video of the event from An Phoblacht/Sınn Féın.
On the rear of Free Derry Corner, Lecky Road, Derry.
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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“Over a third of all children, are growing up in poor households. About 185,000 of households are in poverty, representatin about 502,000 people. Over 148,000 of these are children.” This is in contradiction with the aims of both the Proclamation of Éırí Amach Na Cásca, 1916 – “… cherishing all of the children of the nation equally and oblivious of the differences carefully fostered by an alien government, which have divided a minority from the majority in the past” – and the Democratic Programme of An Chéad Dáıl, 1919 “… to secure that no child shall suffer hunger or cold from lack of food, clothing or shelter, but that all shall be provided with the means and facilities requisite for their proper education and training as citizens of a free and Gaelic Ireland.” The other images are of Béal Feırste 1969, Léana An Dúın 1972, and Na Staılceanna Ocraıs, 1981.
This looks very much like a Rıstead Ó Murchú creation.
Carrigart Avenue, Belfast
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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The Amnesty International symbol – a candle in barbed wire – is added to a thirtieth anniversary hunger strike mural in Melvin Road, Strabane. It’s not clear if there is any official connection. The rest of the image – a blanketman over the towers of Long Kesh – is the same as in murals in Derry and in Belfast.
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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“In proud and loving memory of Óglach Mickey Devine died 20th August 1981 in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh, after 60 days on hunger-strike. Mickey was waked and buried from this house, the family home of his sister Margaret, also died 30th March 2005.”
Rathkeele Way, Derry
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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These boards are positioned along Rossville Street to guide instruct visitors local history, including Free Derry Corner, Bloody Sunday, the 1981 hunger strike, and the peace process.
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
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The ten deceased 1981 hunger strikers were preceded in the 1970s by two prisoners who died in English prisons: Michael Gaughan (d. 1974 WP) and Frank Stagg (1976 WP). The larger of the two quotations here is from Stagg: I want my memorial to be peace with justice. The protesters on the left date back to a 1981 poster which was used on the first mural – for both, see I’ll Wear No Convict’s Uniform. The proclamation and the Tricolour lie on the grass.
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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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This is a late-life shot of the mural at the corner of Hugo Street. There are now two windows in the mural, graffiti has been blacked out across the lower third, and the mural on the side wall (to the left of image) has gone completely.
You can track its history to this point by comparing this image with those from 2006 | 2002 | 2001.
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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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Peter Moloney Collection 