The portraits are of Tony Nolan, Joseph Downey, Frank Fitzsimons, Joey Surgenor, Paul Marlowe, Jim Templeton, and Brendan Davison, all of whom were IRA volunteers (Templeton, aged 15, was in the Fianna) and all of whom died in and around the Markets. (Their names would be added to the mural when it was repainted.) This mural replaces Firing Party and is based on the photograph included in Victory IRA.
“Palestine Ireland Solidarity”. Ariel Sharon is described as a “Terrorist – indicted for war crimes” while Yasser Arafat is a “Peacemaker – a life devoted to conflict resolution”. A dove of peace is bleeding from Star of David bullets. On top of Disband The RUC in Cromac Street, Markets, south Belfast.
“Palestine … the largest concentration camp in the world!!! 3.3 million innocent people tortured, denied their freedom!” Flanked on each side by a hand giving the V-for-Victory sign, on Palestinian and Irish flags.
More pro-Palestinian work, this time in Lecky Road, Derry, expressing solidarity between the PLO’s struggle in the Second Intifada and the IRA’s (Óglaıgh na hÉıreann) during the Troubles and perhaps continuing beyond the Good Friday Agreement.
“David Devine, Michael Devine, Charles Breslin – murdered by SAS cowards.” The three IRA members, aged 16, 22, and 20, were shot by SAS soldiers while returning arms to a dump in a field outside Strabane on February 23rd, 1985. The incident prompted accusations of a ‘shoot-to-kill’ policy, as there was no attempt at arrest.
“In proud and loving memory of all those republican from the west Tyrone area who suffered, fought or died in the cause of Irish freedom – ní dhéanfar dearmad ar bhur níobaırtí choíche”.
Here is a collection of six murals from Ballycolman, Strabane, all seen previously in 1989 and showing their age, and with some RIRA graffiti “Who is the real freedomfighters now! Real IRA” and “Strabane RUC station – 2001 RIRA”.
St James’s supports the hunger strikes – in Long Kesh and Armagh and (on the right) in Turkey.
Various images and posters from 1980 and 1981 are reproduced. Along the top, we see (l-r) a soldier is confronted at the top of Springhill (image at Irish Times), “Wanted for murder [and torture of Irish prisoners]” (image at MSU), “Mothers hunger”, “Blessed are those who hunger for justice“, “Where there is oppression there is resistance”, Armagh hunger-striker Mary Doyle.
Along the bottom: “Stop strip searches“, “Save our children from plastic death”, “Support the hunger strike demands”, and portraits of 1981 hunger-strikers Bernard Fox and Pat Sheehan, both from the Falls Road.
“When the story of the Belfast Brigade of the IRA is told, when the war is over, is ended, among that story the names, the stories, the tales, the sacrifices, the actions of the volunteers from the Greater Ballymurphy area will be written large.” “This monument was erected by the republican people of Greater Ballymurphy in proud and loving memory of all those volunteers from the area who their lives in the fight for Irish freedom.” “Unveiled by Gerry Adams 12th May 1985.” “I ndıl cuımhne [chuimhne] ı gcónaı ag na poblachtánaıgh ón cheantar Barr Cluanaı.” “Also in memory of the civilians who died at the hands of the British Army, RUC, UDR and loyalist extremists.” The plaque was featured previously but the surrounding mural, with phoenix and volunteers with lowered rifles, is new. Ballymurphy Road, Belfast.