Operation Motorman, the British Army’s retaking of ‘Free Derry’, took place on July 31st, 1972. This is the repainted mural (the in-progress shot is from April); for the 2001 original, see M01426. (Part of The People’s Gallery by the Bogside Artists.)
For the installation to Seamus Bradley, who died during the operation, (and for the photo the mural is based upon) see X01130.
The plaque is to Patrick Shiels (M03583).
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
M09533 M09424 M10259
“In proud memory of Óglach Sean McKee killed in action by British Paratroopers 18th May 1973 aged 17 years – “Better to die on your feet than live on your knees””
McKee was shot in Fairfield Street while aiming at a 3 Para observation post in an abandoned building in Butler Street (Lost Lives 847).
Elmfield Street, Ardoyne, Belfast
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
M09524a
“This plaque is dedicated to the memory of Thomas (Kidso) Reilly, murdered by British crown forces 9th August 1983, aged 22 years. Never forgotten by his many friends and his good friend CROOP RIP. May they rest in peace. You’ll never walk alone.”
Thomas “Kidso” Reilly was a brother of Jim Reilly of Stiff Little Fingers and was working as road manager for Bananarama when killed on the Springfield Road on August 9, 1983. Ian Thain, of the Light Infantry regiment, was convicted of his murder. He served less than three years before being released and rejoining the army (like Lee Clegg).
Reilly was a fan of Glasgow Celtic FC – the already existing plaque to Reilly in Turf Lodge was dedicated by Trinity Lodge Celtic Supporters Club: see Kidso Reilly.
Springfield Road, Belfast
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
M08920
“Ballymurphy Massacre – Eddie Doherty – murdered by British Army 10 August 1971, aged 31, father of 4, corporation worker.”
Doherty was shot by a British Army soldier, one of 24 people to die as internment was introduced in August, 1971 (BelTel | Irish Story). The plaque is at the spot where Doherty was shot, on the Whiterock Road at Brittons Parade, Belfast. Profile at ballymurphymassacre.com.
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
M08889
“This plaque is dedicated to the memory of those murdered on 9th July 1972 by the British army. Fr Noel Fitzpatrick, Paddy Butler, Margaret Gargan, David McCafferty, Fıan John Dougal, and to all those murdered in Springhill, Whiterock, and Westrock area.” This is the new plaque to the five people killed in the Springhill-Westrock Massacre, and is on the house extension that the previous plaque. (See chapter 2 of An Pobal A Pheınteáıl.)
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
M08865
“Get the real story – local history from local people – take a black taxi tour – West Belfast Taxi Association – 40 years unbroken service”. The tours of “local” history are of course aimed at non-locals as part of the ‘dark tourism’ or ‘Troubles tourism’ boom.
Here is the Getty Images photo of British Army soldiers on the Falls Road in 1969, on which the mural is based.
Divis Street, Belfast
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
M08771 M08491
“Britain out of Ireland” and “No PSNI” from eirigi.org stencilled placards on Northumberland Street (Visual History).
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
M08770 M08768
“I ndıl chuımhne ar Mhıcheál Ó hAodha, Óglach na hÉıreann, a dunmharaíodh anseo ag Arm na Breataıne ar 18 Deıreadh Fómhaır 1974. I meas laochra na nGael go raıbh sé. In proud and loving memory of Vol. Michael Hughes, Irish Republican Army, who was murdered at this spot by The British Army on the 18th October 1974.” According to Sutton, Hughes was shot while attempting to hijack a bus.
Main Avenue, Newry
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
M08521 [M08522]
This is an updated version of the Gibraltar 3 mural in Twinbrook. The quote from Farrell (see the 2008 version) has fallen off and been replaced with the words “murdered in Gibraltar by British crown forces.”
“Colin area remembers with pride and honour Vol. Maıréad Farrell, Vol. Sean Savage, Vol. Dan McCann”
Jasmine Corner, Twinbrook, Dunmurry
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
M08458 [M08459]
“This memorial is dedicated to the glory of God and in memory of all those Protestants and members of the security forces who lost their lives in the greater Shankill area as a result of conflict. We will remember them. Erected by the Orangemen of north and west Belfast.”
Bray Close, Belfast
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
M08254
Peter Moloney Collection 