Tom Williams

“In loving memory of Vol. Tom Williams “C. Coy” 2nd Battalion Belfast Brigade IRA who lived here [46 Bombay Street, where Williams lived with his grandmother Fay] and was executed in Belfast Gaol [Crumlin Road] 2nd Sept 1942, aged 19 years. Ar dheıs Dé go ra[ı]bh a anam. Erected by National Graves Association, Belfast 1992.”

Williams, the unit’s leader, took sole responsibility for the killing of RUC Constable Patrick Murphy, hoping that it would save the lives of the other seven (including two women) who had taken part in the ambush. The six men were jointly convicted of the killing but only Williams was ultimately hanged, after appeals from Ireland (not yet officially ‘The Republic Of’), the Vatican, and the US State Department (RN).

There is a portrait of Williams at the bottom of Clonard Street, and a mural in Kashmir Street in the 1990s.

Bombay Street, Belfast

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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Bryson-Mulvenna

A second plaque has been added to the mural of Patrick Mulvenna and Jim Bryson and the mural itself has been refreshed: the lark in the apex has been replaced by funeral trappings and the knot-work frame has been painted over.

“In proud and loving memory of Óglach Patrick Mulvenna, shot dead by British crown forces near this spot while an active service, 31st August 1973, and of his comrade Óglach Jim Bryson, also shot and died of his wounds, 22nd September 1973. Belfast Brigade Óglaigh na hÉıreann. I measc laoachra na nGael go raıbh sıad.”

Ballymurphy Road, Belfast

For the other, original, plaque and the original mural, see Bryson-Mulvenna.

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Copyright © 2013/2011 Peter Moloney
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Free Marian Price

These are the first appearances of “free Marian Price” in the Peter Moloney collection of murals. Graffiti, posters, and murals calling for her release would become widespread over the next two years. As a member of the IRA, Price was jailed for the Old Bailey bombing in 1973, and her post-Agreement license was revoked in May, 2011, when she was charged, as a member of the Real IRA, in connection with the Massereene Barracks shooting of 2009 – she was sent to Maghaberry.

Nailor’s Row, Gartan Sq, two from Eastway, two from Central Drive (Creggan), and one (taken in November) from Kildrum Gardens, Derry.

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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From The Greater Bone, Ballybone, Rosapenna

A mural of hands releasing doves is added to the memorial garden in Clós Ard An Lao, in Ardoyne (and a lower plaque is removed). In the middle is a plaque in remembrance of 38 local people (“from the greater Bone, Ballybone, Rosapenna area”) who died during the troubles, on the left, next to the pikemen, is a celtic cross with an Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann roll of honour; on the right is a statue of Jesus with a sacred heart.

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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Struggling For Liberty, Equality And Fraternity

“Fuaır sıad bás ar son na hÉıreann. To the memory of all members and friends of the Official IRA who gave their lives in pursuit of the establishment of a democratic socialist republic in Ireland, in common cause with men and women of all nations struggling for liberty, equality and fraternity between all the peoples of the world.” Joe McCann beneath the Plough In The Stars is shown in the bottom left.

Springfield Road, Belfast

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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The First Blanketman

IRA prisoner Kieran Nugent is reputed to have said – upon being imprisoned after the removal of Special Category status in 1976 – “I’m not a criminal – the Brits will have to nail prison clothes to my back.”

The mural is a February repainting of Cıarán Nugent and for the launch it was surrounded with posters from the period.

Rockville Street, Belfast

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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Éırí Amach Na Casca

The wall has been seen before (in 2009) (though the flags are a new addition) but here are close-ups of the street sign (“RPG Avenue”) and the IRA 2nd battalion plaque. Originally the plaque had only seven names – see Free Ireland. “Fuaır sıad bás ar son na hÉıreann” [They died for Ireland], “Ireland unfree will never be at peace“.

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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