four provinces

The Names, The Stories, The Tales, The Sacrifices

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“When the story of the Belfast Brigade of the IRA is told, when the war is over, is ended, among that story the names, the stories, the tales, the sacrifices, the actions of the volunteers from the Greater Ballymurphy area will be written large.” “This monument was erected by the republican people of Greater Ballymurphy in proud and loving memory of all those volunteers from the area who their lives in the fight for Irish freedom.” “Unveiled by Gerry Adams 12th May 1985.” “I ndıl cuımhne [chuimhne] ı gcónaı ag na poblachtánaıgh ón cheantar Barr Cluanaı.” “Also in memory of the civilians who died at the hands of the British Army, RUC, UDR and loyalist extremists.” The plaque was featured previously but the surrounding mural, with phoenix and volunteers with lowered rifles, is new. Ballymurphy Road, Belfast.

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Copyright © 2002, 2004 Peter Moloney
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Pat ‘Beag’ McGeown

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“Comrade, councillor, cara [friend].” Pat McGeown was a 1981 IRA hunger striker whose family intervened when he lapsed into a coma. After his release in 1985 he also worked for Sınn Féın and was elected to Belfast City Council in 1993. He died in 1996 of a heart attack. He is also remembered by a plaque on the Sınn Féın office on Falls Road.

Ballymurphy Road, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2002 Peter Moloney
M01652

Safe House

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Four IRA volunteers “who gave their lives for Irish freedom”, John Stone, Jim McGrillen, Tommy Tolan, and Michael Kane, eat in the kitchen of a Ballymurphy house, perhaps belonging to one of the “republican activists Kathleen McCullough, Elizabeth McGovern.” The large image of Tolan would later be changed to show him in a brown suit and without the assault rifle – see X05055.

Ballymurphy Crescent, west Belfast.

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Copyright © 2002 Peter Moloney
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Talk Of Us As Though We Were Beside You

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“Grieve not nor speak of us with tears but laugh and talk of us as though we were beside you”. Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann, Belfast brigade, 2nd battalion, B company volunteers Kevin Delaney, Patrick Campbell, Michael Clarke, Anne Parker, and Michael Sloan are shown on patrol in Ballymurphy Parade, the street just to the left of this mural. Campbell was 16 when killed by friendly fire; the oldest at time of death was Delaney, at 26.

Also named on the plaque are “republican activists” Esther Valelly, Theresa Campbell, and Maggie Campbell.

Glenalina Road, Ballymurphy, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2002 Peter Moloney
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Copyright © 2012 Peter Moloney
[M07996] [M07997] [M07998] M07999 [X00070]

Out Of The Ashes of 1969

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“In Ireland’s darkest hour her sons and daughters have always rallied to her cause” and “out of the ashes of 1969 arose the Provisionals”. Different generations of Irish rebellion are portrayed: there is a 1798/1803 pikeman in the background, an early IRA man on the left, and female and male volunteers from the Troubles in the foreground.

Jasmine Corner/Gardenmore Road, Twinbrook, Dunmurry/Belfast

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Copyright © 2002 Peter Moloney
M01635

The Celtic Football Club

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Scottish club Celtic, which nationalists in Northern Ireland support, had a successful 2000-2001 season, winning the Scottish Cup, League Cup, and league, under the direction of new manager Martin O’Neill, who hails from Kilrea, Co. London-/Derry. The emblems of the four provinces have been added to the leaves of the Celtic emblem. “Dedicated to the youth of Twinbrook.”

Gardenmore Road, Dunmurry/Belfast

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Copyright © 2002 Peter Moloney
M01636

Those From The Markets

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Celtic cross and plaques “In memory of all those from the Markets and Lower Ormeau who died as a result of the conflict” (with Terence MacSwiney quote) and “In memory of all those who dedicated their lives to the struggle for Irish freedom”, in particular IRA 3rd battalion Belfast Brigade volunteers Nolan, Downey, Davison, and Fıan J. Templeton. With flags for the 20th anniversary of the hunger strike.

Stanfield Place, south Belfast

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Copyright © 2001 Peter Moloney
M01508 M01509 M01507 [M01768]

“Kidso” Reilly

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Thomas “Kidso” Reilly was brother of Jim Reilly of Stiff Little Fingers and working as road manager for Bananarama when killed on the Springfield Road on August 9, 1983. Ian Thain, of the Light Infantry regiment, was convicted of his murder. He served less than three years before being released and rejoining the army (like Lee Clegg). (Guardian) “Always remembered by his friends – Trinity Lodge Celtic Supporters Club.”

Ardmonagh Gardens, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2001 Peter Moloney
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