Short Strand Supports Republican POWs

A number of stencils were added last year (2014) in the corner of the wall at the top of Mountpottinger Road, in the Short Strand, to the right of the Charlie Monahan mural (seen before in 2006).

From left to right: an IRPWA (web) mural with the crests of the four provinces; an IRPWA mural with a prisoner being abused; “Short Strand supports Maghaberry Portlaoise Hydebank republican POWs; “Justice for the Craigavon 2 John-Paul Wootton and Brendan McConville”

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Copyright © 2015 Peter Moloney
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But What Did They Do?

The Craigavon Two – John-Paul Wootton and Brendan McConville – were convicted in 2012 of the 2009 murder of PSNI Constable Steven Carroll (BBC) and sentenced to 18- and 25-year minimums, respectively. The case is under review (Guardian) and a campaign for their release – using the hashtag “#JFTC2” – is under way (Fb).

This supportive graffiti is in Bligh’s Lane, Derry

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Copyright © 2015 Peter Moloney
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Justice For The Craigavon Two

This Ligoniel stencil by Damian Walker of GaelForce has proving controversial: Walker’s previous attempts have been painted over three times, according to an image in this 32 County Sovereignty post, which also alleges that Sınn Féın has been behind the removals. According to the Tele, a housing executive van was burnt out in response to one of the white-washings.

The “Craigavon Two” are John-Paul Wooton and Brendan McConville. For background, see JFTC2.

Boodles Hill, Ligoniel, north Belfast

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Copyright © 2015 Peter Moloney
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Cogús

“End internment by remand – End forced strip searches – End controlled movement”.

Fists are raised in defiance of the police state (both PSNI/NIPS and Gardaí/IPS). Cogús (meaning “conscience”) is the division of the Republican Network for Unity (Fb) concerned with political prisoners.

Beechmount Avenue, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2015 Peter Moloney
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Unbowed, Unbroken

Above is a recent (2014-09) mural by Damian Walker in the New Lodge, in support of republican prisoners in Maghaberry, showing a single bloodied republican prisoner surrounded by three baton-wielding officers. Sponsored the 32-County Sovereignty Movement (web).

Replaces: Damn Your Concessions, England

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Copyright © 2015 Peter Moloney
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Cogús

“Cogús” (Fb) or “conscience” is the prisoners’ welfare arm of the Republican Network For Unity (RNU).

The RNU web address along the bottom of both pieces no longer appears to function (Wayback); the organisation does have a Facebook page.

Rossville Street, Derry

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Copyright © 2015 Peter Moloney
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What Has Changed?

These anti-Agreement graffiti are in Foylehill (mostly Kildrum Gardens and Southway): “Smash Maghaberry”, “IRPWA”, “RUC not welcome in Foylehill”, “Victory to the POWs”, “End British internment”, Tıocfaıdh ár lá”.

The phrase “We only have to be lucky once” is from the IRA statement on the 1984 Brighton hotel bombing (WP).

The final piece dates back to 2009: “Internment 71-09. What has changed? Brits out, not sell out.”

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Copyright © 2015 Peter Moloney
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