All Our Dead

In addition to three plaques, a wrought-iron head-piece, multiple flag-pole holders and railings fencing in a small area, this mural in Clós Ard An Lao/Ardilea Close in Ardoyne uses painted discs for each of the twelve hunger strikers (the ten in Long Kesh 1981 and two from the 70s in English prisons, Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg – the twelve also featured in Derry’s Spirit Of Freedom mural), rather than painting their likenesses directly onto the wall. The two quotes are from Bobby Sands “Let our revenge by the laughter of our children” and Michael Gaughan “Let there be no bitterness on my behalf to achieve a united Ireland”.

The items above the mural are new, compared to 2010. The plaque on the left is to people who died “in defence of the area” and on the right to those who died “of natural causes” who endured discrimination, hardship, suffering, imprisonment.

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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Twinbrook – Home Of Bobby Sands

“Our revenge will be the laughter of our children.” For the thirtieth anniversary (30ú comóradh) of his death on May 5th, 1981, a board in Twinbrook remembering IRA volunteer, hunger striker, and MP, Bobby Sands.

Twinbrook Road, Belfast

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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Honour Ireland’s Dead

“Wear an Easter lily – ı gcuımhne ar an staılc ocraıs.” The title phrase and the lily are typically used in calls to remember the rebels of 1916 (see e.g. the mural this one replaces) but here it is (also) employed to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1981 hunger strike. The lark is a symbol of political prisoners, the green ribbon was used in the campaign to free them as part of the Agreement; the watchtowers of Long Kesh/Maze are shown.

Beechmount Ave/Ascaıll Ard Na bhFeá

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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National Hunger Strike Commemoration

Scenes from the march in the 2010 National Hunger Strike Commemoration, August 15th, 2010, in Beatrice Villas, Ballynease Road, and William Street, Bellaghy.

For additional instance of the first image, see Remember The Hunger Strikers. For another instance of the final image, see I’ll Wear No Convict’s Uniform.

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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