celtic cross

Lives Were Given, Lives Were Taken

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“In proud and loving memory [of] republican activists who dedicated their lives to a noble cause”. “To those who come to think and pray remember well the price they paid. Lives were given, for our country to be free, lives were taken, to keep us on our knees. From 1916 to the present day our struggle continues, our enemies the same. But we know, and they know, that one day our country will be united, Gaelic, and free.” The cross in the foreground is dedicated to Louis Scullion, an IRA volunteer from Unity Flats who was shot by the British Army in July 1972.

Plunkett Court, Belfast

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Copyright © 2005 Peter Moloney
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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They Were Faithful And They Fought

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Two images from the memorial garden in South Link, Andersonstown, Belfast to volunteers from the First Belfast Brigade (céad cathlán den Briogáid Bheal Feirste), members of the “republican movement” and “the civilians who died at the hands of the British Army, RUC, UDR, and loyalist extremists”.

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Copyright © 2004 Peter Moloney
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Freedom Hath Arisen

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“It is not those who can inflict the most but those who can endure the most shall win [who will conquer].” (Terence MacSwiney). Those “from the Ardoyne, Bone, and Ligoniel who died because of Ireland’s troubles” are commemorated on the Celtic cross (which dates back to 1976). The plaque (dating at least to 1993) reads “Oft from prison bars, oft from battle flashes/Oft from heroes’ lip, oftenest from their ashes.” and includes names of deceased IRA and Sınn Féın members killed up to 1972, and civilian locals.

Berwick Avenue, north Belfast

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Copyright © 2002 Peter Moloney
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Murdered By SAS Cowards

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“David Devine, Michael Devine, Charles Breslin – murdered by SAS cowards.” The three IRA members, aged 16, 22, and 20, were shot by SAS soldiers while returning arms to a dump in a field outside Strabane on February 23rd, 1985. The incident prompted accusations of a ‘shoot-to-kill’ policy, as there was no attempt at arrest.

Springhill Park, Strabane

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Copyright © 2002 Peter Moloney
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Charles English

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Volunteer Charles English was a member of the IRA’s Derry Brigade (1st battalion). He died on August 6th, 1985, at age 21, when a grenade launcher exploded. His brother, Gary, had been killed four years earlier when an Army land rover hit and then reversed over him (Derry Journal). Images from the funeral are collected in this video.

Abbey Street, Derry

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Copyright © 2002 Peter Moloney
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