knot-work

Vol. Kieran Doherty TD

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Kieran Doherty was elected TD (Teachta Dála) for Cavan-Monaghan three weeks into his 1981 hunger strike. He held the position for two months, until he died on August 2nd. The portraits, plaques, and mural of marchers are in his home area of Andersonstown. The words “It is not those who inflict the most, but those that can endure who shall conquer in the end” are an echo of Terence MacSwiney, whose hunger strike in 1920 lasted 74 days, one more than Doherty’s.

(2004 images of 2001 M01476)

Slemish Way, Andersonstown, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2004 Peter Moloney
M02192

Crossed Rifles

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Pike, pistol, and assault rifles — a brief history of republican weaponry in remembrance of local volunteers and activists. At the centre, below the phoenix, is Stan Carberry, included on a Falls Road plaque.

AMCOMRI Street, Beechmount, west Belfast

“Erected by Coıste Cuımhneacháın Ard Na bhFeá 2003.” The plaque reads, “This mural is dedicated to the volunteers of ‘A’ company 2nd batt. Belfast Brigade Óglaıgh na hÉıreann, to the Sınn Féın members Mid Falls cumann, who militarily and politically gave their all for a 32 county social democratic republic. Their names have been spoken off [sic] among their friends and comrades throughout the years. Now everyone can see the faces and not just hear the names of the ordinary people with extra-ordinary lives.”

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Copyright © 2003 Peter Moloney
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Sean Gaynor

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“In memory of IRA Volunteer Sean Gaynor who was murdered in his home at 236 Springfield Road by members of the RIC on the 26th September 1920. Erected by the greater Clonard ex-prisoners association.” Gaynor was one of three victims of an RIC murder gang that night (See ROM’s account.)

Colinview Street, Belfast

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Copyright © 2002 Peter Moloney
M03947

Freedom Grows

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This is a 20′ x 20′ tarp of an 8′ x 8′ painting done by Mo Chara, shipped over from New York and placed on the side of the Falls library, Belfast. It honours the ten deceased 1981 hunger strikers with a verse from a Bobby Sands poem and a border of celtic knotwork, the crests of the four provinces, and other revolutionary and civil rights heroes, include Gandhi, MLK, Gaughan & Stagg, Leonard Peltier/the AIM, Nelson Mandela, Maıréad Farrell, and Nora Connolly.

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Copyright © 2002 Peter Moloney
M03966 M03965

Sean Downes

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“Sean [aka John] Downes, age 22, murdered at this location by the RUC on the 12/8/84. Victim of state violence.” Downes was hit at close range by a plastic bullet outside Connolly House on the Andersonstown Road, Belfast during an attempt by police to arrest NORAID‘s Martin Galvin. Reserve Constable Nigel Hegarty was charged with manslaughter but was cleared.

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Copyright © 2002 Peter Moloney
M01946

Leana An Dúın Unbowed Unbroken

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The dying Cú Chulaınn (as portrayed in bronze by Oliver Sheppard, in a statue installed in the GPO in 1935) is used as a symbol for the locals from Lenadoon area of west Belfast who fought for freedom (“saoırse”): Tony Henderson, John Finucane, Brendan O’Callaghan, Joe McDonnell, Laura Crawford, Maıréad Farrell, Patricia Black, Bridie O’Neill (subsequently changed to Bridie Quinn).

See also the Cú Chulaınn Visual History page.

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Copyright © 2002 Peter Moloney
M01934