funeral volley/graveside mourner

The Undauntable Thought

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“Michael Ferguson Sınn Féın MLA 25-10-53–25-9-06. Sean Keenan Sınn Féın 9-5-50–31-7-06. “It lights the dark of this prison cell/it thunders forth its might/it is the undauntable thought, my friend/the thought that says ‘I’m right'” – Bobby Sands”. Keenan was son of Derry republican Seán Keenan.

“Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann. Óglach Patricia Black 28-11-71–15-11-91. Óglach Frankie Ryan 23-9-66–15-11-91. Beırıgí bua.” The pair died near London when a bomb exploded prematurely.

On Pantridge Road, which runs into Michael Ferguson Roundabout at its eastern end. (See Teeling Family.)

Black and Ryan are also remembered by a plaque in nearby Woodside (M08902).

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
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West Tyrone Command

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Updated version of the monument to West Tyrone Command (seen in 2005) – perhaps with new fencing. A modern volunteer stands on the left, Cú Chulaınn on the right. “In proud memory of Vol. Charles Breslin age 20, Vol. Michael Devine age 22, Vol. David Devine age 16. West Tyrone command, Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann. Killed by crown forces near this spot 23 Feb. 1985.” The three were killed in an alleged shoot-to-kill incident. Obituaries in An Phoblacht.

Fountain Street, Strabane

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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They Paid The Ultimate Sacrifice

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“This plaque is dedicated to the memory of Lt. Col. Trevor King died 9th July 1994, Major Wm (Frenchie) Marchant died 28th April 1987, Davy Hamilton died 17th June 1994. These brave men were killed near this spot by the enemies of Ulster. No sacrifice is too great for one’s country. They paid the ultimate sacrifice. ‘They shall grow not old/as we that are left grow old/Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn/At the going down of the sun and in the morning/We will remember them.'” The plaque is old (see They Paid The Ultimate Sacrifice) but the mural is new. All three men – Marchant, King, Hamilton (and Craig) – were shot near the mural/plaque in Spier’s Place – for information, see Ordinary People, Extraordinary Roles.

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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Those Who Hungered For Justice

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“In memory of those who hungered for justice 1981-2001: Bobby Sands, Francis Hughes, Raymond McCreesh, Patsy O’Hara, Joe McDonnell, Martin Hurson, Kevin Lynch, Kieran Doherty, Tom McElwee, Mickey Devine.”

Glenwood Court, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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Gibraltar

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“I ndıl chuımhne – In proud and loving memory of Volunteers Dan McCann, Mairead Farrell, Sean Savage, Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann who were executed by British Crown forces in Gibraltar 6th March, 1988.” The three were killed in Gibraltar by the SAS in what was known as “Operation Flavius”. The European Court Of Human Rights found that the use of force was unlawful. (WP)

“Oh! Cold March winds that pierce the dark/You cry in aged tones/For souls of folk you’ve brought to God/But still you bear the moans./Oh! Weeping wind this lonely night/My mother’s heart is sore,/Oh! Lord of all breathe freedom’s breath/That she may weep no more. – Bobby Sands”.

Hawthorn Street, Belfast

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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Beechmount Óglaıgh

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The memorial garden in Beechmount Avenue, Belfast, goes beyond commemoration of IRA volunteers. Moving clockwise: dying volunteer, “local men and women and POWs”, hunger strikers, comhaltaí Shınn Féın, proclamation, na hÓglaıgh, “innocent people from the area”, “the unsung heroes off [sic] this area”, Sands quote.

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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Herbie McCallum

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“In loving memory of Brian (Herbie) McCallum. We will remember him. The officers and members of Sweeneys ‘A’ company, 1st Belfast battalion, Ulster Volunteer Force.” Brian “Herbie” McCallum was a 29 year-old attending a contentious loyalist parade to Whiterock Orange Hall, being re-routed by the RUC, when the grenade he was carrying exploded prematurely, killing him instantly. The mural and memorial shown above is at the top of Ainsworth Avenue, close to the spot of the incident. He died in hospital three days later (CAIN | Border & Border Politics | Irish News article at Nuzhound | Independent).

Ainsworth Avenue, Belfast

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Copyright © 2008 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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