Ní Neart Go gCur Le Chéıle

“There is no strength without unity”. “In proud and loving memory of the volunteer soldiers 2nd Battalion Derry Brigade Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann who gave their lives for Ireland. Also dedicated to the memory of those republican activists who in their own way contributed to the struggle for freedom.”

Linsfort Drive, Creggan, Derry

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Copyright © 2005 Peter Moloney
M02663

The First Blanketman

IRA volunteer Kieran (here Cıarán) Nugent spent nine months in Long Kesh as a Special Category prisoner in 1975. When he was arrested again in 1976 and sent to the H Blocks, the status no longer existed and he could no longer wear his own clothes. He refused to wear a prison uniform and spent his first night naked. On the next day he was given a blanket and so became the first blanket man.

Rockville Street, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2005 Peter Moloney
M02550 [M02551]

Doyle – McParland – Carson

This is a Whiterock Road, Belfast, mural to three IRA volunteers and six other local activists. Clockwise from bottom left: Annie Adams, Rosaleen Russell, Liam Mulholland, Billy Carson (also shown kneeling; killed by the UDA in 1979), Liam McParland (also standing, right; leader of the (pre-split) IRA in Ballymurphy, died in a car crash on 6 November 1969), Sean Doyle (also standing, left; perhaps from 1944 despite the assault rifle), Frankie Toner, Kathleen Moore, Gerry Campbell. There are Christmas lights in the centre of the wall.

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Copyright © 2005 Peter Moloney
M02547

Pray For Us And Erin

“Dedicated to Vols Bobby McCrudden, Mundo O’Rawe, Pearse Jordan. In passing this mural pause a little while, pray for us and erin, then smile.” Ballymurphy mural to three local PIRA volunteers. O’Rawe’s pose (in the centre) perhaps owes something to the poster for the 1996 film Michael Collins. The plaque reads “I ndíl [sic] chuímhne [sic] Oglach [sic] Edward ‘Mundo’ O’Rawe, Oglach [sic] Robert McCrudden, Oglach [sic] Pearse Jordan Who gave their lives for Ireland’s freedom.”

Divismore Crescent, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2005 Peter Moloney
M02546

Volunteers From The Greater New Barnsley Area

“In memory of the volunteers from Greater New Barnsley area who gave their lives in the fight for Irish freedom: Martin Forsythe, Bobby McCrudden, Eddie O’Rawe, Martin Skillen, Gerard Fennell, Sean McDermott, Terence O’Neill, James Murphy, Tom Magill, Sean Savage, Kevin McCracken, Pearse Jordan, Liam Mulholland, Fıan Cathy McGartland, Fıan John Dempsey, Sınn Féın Paul Best, Sınn Féın Eddie Brophy.”

Moyard Parade, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2005 Peter Moloney
M02542

Ardoyne, The Bone, And Ligoniel

“This mural is dedicated to the memory of those local republican activists [34 portraits of volunteers from “A, D, F foıreannacha, cathlann 3rú, Brıogáıd mBéal Feırste”] who devoted their lives to the cause of Irish freedom. Ar son na c[ú]ıse. Óglaıgh na hÉıreann. Unveiled by Sınn Féın councillors Martin Meehan and Margaret McClenaghan.”

“Many suffer so that some day future generations may live in justice and peace – Bobby Sands MP.”

The plaque on the stone is “Dedicated to those friends and neighbours from Ardoyne, the Bone and Ligoniel whose contribution and support to our struggle was and remains invaluable. Aıthníonn muıd a gcrógacht. Óglaıgh na hÉıreann. Meán Fómhaır 2003.” 

Ardoyne Avenue, north Belfast

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Copyright © 2005 Peter Moloney
M02418 M02419 M02420 [M03100]