RUC/PSNI

Peace Cannot Be Kept By Force

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The theme “Remember the fallen from war” is illustrated by a bombed-out Ballymacarret library on Templemore Avenue and St. Patrick’s church, which is just across the street from the mural, both of which were hit during the blitz in 1942, a police land rover perhaps indicates the dead during the Troubles, while Cuchulainn stands for the IRA (and/or for the UDA?). The word “peace” appears next to an image of Stormont (bottom right) painted in white rather than grey.

We are supposed to remember the dead because (perhaps) their deaths were unnecessary and misguided as means to peace, at least according to the saying along the bottom (sometimes attributed to Einstein): “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding” – understanding of the Nazis during the blitz, it seems, and of loyalists during the Troubles. If you have a better interpretation, please (please!) leave a comment.

The mural was imitated on the hoarding around the Cultúrlann on the Falls Road during its renovation, though this version does not mention the blitz and seems to be lamenting the CNR dead and calling for understanding of the CNR community (sc. by Britain and the Orange state) – see X01279.

Lendrick Street, east Belfast

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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The Republican People Of Greater Ballymurphy

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“This monument was erected by the republican people of greater Ballymurphy in proud and loving memory of all those volunteers from the area who gave their lives in the fight for Irish freedom.” Volunteers McParland, Kane, Maguire, Meehan, Sloan, McCormick, Campbell, Magee, Dougal, McCrudden, Clarke, Parker, Quigleey, Mulholland, O’Rawe, McGartland, Mulvenna, Pettigrew, Bryson, Teer, Stone, McGrillen, Tolan, McWilliams, Delaney, O’Neill, Jordan, Doyle, McCracken, McGeown. “Unveiled by Gerry Adams 12th May 1985. I ndıl cuımhne [chuımhne] i gcónaí ag na poblachtánaıgh ón cheantar Barr Cluanaí. Also in memory of the civilians who died at the hands of the British Army, RUC, UDR, and loyalist extremists.” The launch date of 1985 refers to the plaque’s former location in Glenalina Road (seen in 2001 and 2002).

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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The War Isn’t Over

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These graffiti and small boards are on the fence around Dove Gardens as it is rebuilt. “God bless the Loughgall martyrs” and “Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann” and “IRA rule” aim to establish the CIRA and RIRA as simply the IRA. For “Free Colin Duffy” see Freedom Is A State Of Mind.

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
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Our RUC Comrades

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“To commemorate our RUC comrades killed in 8 Infantry Brigade area of responsibility in the course of the fight against terrorism 1969-2001. “We will remember them”. From all ranks 8 Infantry Brigade . Unveiled jointly by Assistant Chief Constable North Region Acc. S Kincaid, Commander 8 Infantry Brigade Brigadier PR Newton. 11 October 2001.”

In St Columb’s Cathedral, Londonderry

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
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