“In memory of Topper Thompson, murdered by British death squads, 27th April 1994, aged 25. Deeply missed but never forgotten. Erected by his friends.” Paul ‘Topper’ Thompson was killed by the UDA on April 27th, 1994. Collusion is alleged – see Relatives For Justice.
Springfield Park, Belfast
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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
M07237 [M07236]
Cú Chulaınn stands dying. In addition to the four provinces in the corners, the four colours of man can be seen in the apex (as a background to Ireland). Tuan the hawk historian, who has seen all of the conquests of Ireland, flies overhead. (Both Tuan and the four colours are familiars of Mo Chara Kelly.)
“Ar aghaıdh lınn” [Onward! or Let’s go!]
Glenbawn Avenue, Belfast
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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
M07168 [M07169]
A red-headed lass with a horn stands watch for others at a mass rock – a stone in a remote location for Catholic worship, made necessary by a Penal law of 1695 which forbade the religious practice of Catholicism and “dissenter” forms of Protestantism (that is, anything other than Anglicism) (source). The harp, with a “cap of liberty” rather than a crown (WP), together the slogan “Equality – It is new strung and it shall be heard” is the emblem of the Society of United Irishmen (WP). On the other side of the mural linen lies in the fields bleaching and a farmer and wife plough the land with a team of horses and distribute seed.
Glenbawn Avenue, Belfast
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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
M07165 [M07166] [M07167]
“Make a difference – Join RNU – Be committed – Stand as one – Implement 12th August Agreement! – End strip searches – End controlled movement.” Cogús is the POW department of the RNU, no longer on-line at http://www.republicannetwork.ie. The board is on the rear of Free Derry Corner, which has its own Visual History page.
Lecky Road, Derry
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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
M06973 [M06974] [M06975] [M06976] [M06977]
In addition to three plaques, a wrought-iron head-piece, multiple flag-pole holders and railings fencing in a small area, this mural in Clós Ard An Lao/Ardilea Close in Ardoyne uses painted discs for each of the twelve hunger strikers (the ten in Long Kesh 1981 and two from the 70s in English prisons, Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg – the twelve also featured in Derry’s Spirit Of Freedom mural), rather than painting their likenesses directly onto the wall. The two quotes are from Bobby Sands “Let our revenge by the laughter of our children” and Michael Gaughan “Let there be no bitterness on my behalf to achieve a united Ireland”.
The items above the mural are new, compared to 2010. The plaque on the left is to people who died “in defence of the area” and on the right to those who died “of natural causes” who endured discrimination, hardship, suffering, imprisonment.
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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
M06742 [M06735] [M06736] [M06737] [M06738] [M06739] [M06740] [M06741]
[M10897] [M10898] [M10899]
This is the new black taxi mural in Ardoyne Avenue, replacing the original painted in 2001. “‘The black Taximen’s Assoc. continued to provide a Service despite the spontaneous rioting which followed news of Frank Stagg‘s murder. Ulsterbus had cancelled all services in Nationalist areas immediately on hearing of Frank’s death’ – Newspaper editorial Feb. 1976. Dedicated to those who died in the service of their community: Michael Duggan, Jim Green, Harry Muldoon, Paddy McAllister, Caoımhın Mac Bradaıgh, Thomas Hughes, Hugh Magee, Padraıg Ó Cleırıgh. [on the side wall:] In memory of all taxi drivers – public and private – who were murdered by loyalists/British crown forces during the conflict serving their community through transport.”
The “photos” in the lower left and right include various Ardoyne murals that can be seen as part of a black taxi tour (taxitrax.com): Ard Eoın Kickhams, It’s Black And White, GPO 1916, The Blind Piper, The Mass Rock. This mural uses the same device as It’s Black And White, of painting in black and white with occasional use of red (originally for the sweaters of the children, à la Schindler’s List).
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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
M06733 [M06732] [M06731]
IRA prisoner Kieran Nugent is reputed to have said – upon being imprisoned after the removal of Special Category status in 1976 – “I’m not a criminal – the Brits will have to nail prison clothes to my back.”
The mural is a February repainting of Cıarán Nugent and for the launch it was surrounded with posters from the period.
Rockville Street, Belfast
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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
[M06716] M06717 [M06718] [M06818] [M06819] [M06820] [M06821]
“In memory of Staff Captain Jim McGinn Óglaıgh na hÉıreann who died on active service near this spot 15th December 1973. Fuaır sé bás ar son na saoırse.”
Urney Road, Clady, at the far end of the bridge, into the republic.
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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
M06581 M06580
Tommy Sands records under his own name, as “the Sands Family” (with his siblings | web | Fb) and, as shown here, “with Moya & Fionán” (his children). This Northumberland Street mural was up towards the security gates just below Sean Garland.
See also: Colum Sands Whatever You Say, Say Nothing
Northumberland Street, Belfast
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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
M06469
“Arm Saoırse Náısıúnta na h-Éıreann. [INLA] Vol. James McPhilemy, killed in action 10 August 1988; [INLA] Vol. Alex Patterson killed in action 12 November 1990. ‘Your spirit will live on in the hearts of all who cherish freedom, justice and equality. Fuaır sıad bás ar son saoırse na h-Éıreann.”
Gallany Court, Strabane
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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
M06212 [M06211] [M06210] [M06209]
Peter Moloney Collection 