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Freedom Corner

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Here is a set of 2009 images of the left half of “Freedom Corner” on Newtownards Road.

Compared to the 2005 images:
the background of the UFF mural has been repainted;
“Loyalist East Belfast” replaces the letters “UFF”;
the Red Hand Of Ulster replaces “Feriens Tego” (From Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, 1953: “The strangest victory in all history: Heremon [Érımón] O’Neill racing a rival chieftain for possession of Ireland became the first man to touch its soil by cutting off his own hand and hurling it ashore! His sacrifice made Heremon the first king of Ulster, 1015 B.C. The red hand of Ulster is still the provinces coat of arms thousands of years later.” Most people believe it not.) Notice that outline is of the six-county Northern Ireland rather than of the historical Ulster;
and the “Ulsters Past Defenders” mural has been completely repainted with the emblems of the UDR and B-Specials at the centre (“This is dedicated to those who served in our conflict – we forget not”, “Formed in 1970, the Ulster Defence Reg. was an infrantry [sic] regiment of the British army intended to carry out security duties in NI. It was later disbanded in 1992. A total of 197 members were killed through the troubles”, “Formed in 1920, the Ulster Special Constabulary had been set up taking action against the IRA. It was divided into three categories A, B, and C specials. Later in 1970 they were disbanded. Then the UDR replaced them.”)

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
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Young Newton

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The refreshed Young Newton mural at the end of “Freedom Corner” switches from mention of the UYM (UDA youth) to the 1893 UDU. “Our civil and religious liberties we will maintain” is a slogan from the anti-Home Rule protests. Inclusion of Northern Ireland nationalism is retained (the crest in the bottom right) alongside the crests of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the Union. “Who will separate us.” There are three flowers around the Union flag – the Welsh daffodil is absent.

Newtownards Road, east Belfast

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
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The One Stop Ulster Shop

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Fulfilling all your marching band and Orange Order needs: the One Stop Ulster Shop in its former location half-way down Sandy Row (before becoming Living Tradition and then Sandy Row Marching Band Supplies). The Royal Banner of Scotland is included alongside St Andrew’s Saltire. Bands included along the awning for the shutters are Clydevalley Volunteers Glasgow, Millar Memorial Belfast, Ballynahinch Young Loyalists, MYC Newtownards, Skeogh Flute Band, ? Liverpool, Clydevalley Volunteers Larne, Crumlin Young Loyalists, Steeple Defenders Antrim, Ballee Blues And Royals, Pride of the Shore North Belfast, Ballysillan Volunteers, Pride of Shankill, Somme Volunteers Flute Band, Glenhugh Flute Band Ahoghill, Bridgeton Loyalists, Lower Ards Volunteers, Rising Sons East Belfast, Rising Sons Of The Somme Carrickfergus.

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
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Vol. John Hanna

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“In loving memory of Vol. John Hanna, murdered by the enemies of Ulster 10th September 1991. Always remembered by the offices and volunteers of 2nd Batt. “B” Coy Village. Its [sic] not for riches nor for glory but the love of one’s country which [we] are prepared to die for. Here lies a soldier. Gone but not forgotten. FGAU.” The two smaller plaques on either side of the RHC wings on the left are to “Friend Sammy Mehaffy 13th November 1991” and “Volunteer Stevie McCrea 18th February 1989”, both “murdered by the enemies of Ulster”.

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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