physical force

Out Of The Ashes New Life

Extramural Activity2 Comments

“In Belfast, as elsewhere in Northern Ireland, Unionist and Nationalist communities live cheek by jowl. The areas where Unionist and Nationalist areas meet are invariably described as ‘interfaces’. Cluan Place was and remains a small isolated Unionist community, consisting of 25 houses, adjoining the republican Short Strand. Republicans targeted the area in the early summer of 2002 with the purpose of driving the small Protestant community from the area. Similar attacks were made on other vulnerable Protestant areas such as Tigers Bay and White City. PIRA’s tactics followed a long and well-established pattern. First, they heightened tension, secondly, they offered dialogue, ostensibly to ease the tension, but the offer was manifestly insincere. In practice, the offer of dialogue was made to make republicans look good in the eyes of the media. Thirdly, republicans mounted their vicious sectarian attacks and then withdrew proceeding to choreograph media coverage of events – pushing forward the spin that it was their area under attack. In this case Short Strand. Meanwhile the small and beleaguered Unionist community was still reeling from the violent attack. Annie Blair was one of those residents in Cluan Place who refused to surrender to republican aggression. Her example inspired others in the small community and Cluan Place to this day remains part of our community”. See also: Welcome To Loyalist Cluan Place.

One of fourteen panels in Thorndyke Street, east Belfast. For a list of entries for each panel, see East Belfast Historical And Cultural Society.

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Copyright © 2005, 2007 Peter Moloney
M02310 M03626 [M08000]

Their Loyalty Betrayed

Extramural Activity1 Comment

“Since this phase of the troubles began there has been a continued drop of concessions to placate the Pan Nationalist Front, which consists of the Irish government, PIRA and the SDLP. Some of these concessions have been to disband parts of the security infrastructure e.g. the Ulster Special Constabulary (USC) and the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR). Both organisations for a variety of reasons including republican intimidation included a high proportion of the Unionist population. Both stood up to the onslaught from PIRA and were successful in preventing death and destruction as well as guarding our border against sectarian republican incursions. In their line of duty many members of both the USC and the UDR paid the ultimate sacrifice while many others suffered horrendous injuries. Many of these attacks where carried out as the men and women were carrying out their civilian jobs (as many members were part time). Despite their success against the IRA and the death of so many of their members the British government disbanded both of these fine organisations, causing untold hurt to our community and leaving a sense of betrayal behind.” With the emblems of the Crimson Star and Rising Sons flute bands.

One of fourteen panels in Thorndyke Street, east Belfast. For a list of entries for each panel, see East Belfast Historical And Cultural Society.

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Copyright © 2005 Peter Moloney
M02309 M03627 [M08001] [M08002]

Defending The Community

Extramural Activity1 Comment

“In the early 1970’s the Provisional IRA (PIRA) flexed it’s muscles to demonstrate that the Official IRA were no longer the representatives of the republican community. Unfortunately for the Unionist population they were on the receiving end as PIRA launched sectarian bomb and gun attacks across Northern Ireland but in particular Belfast. Many innocent Protestants were murdered simply because of their religion, others were injured and many burnt out of their homes. The community was in turmoil and felt that there was no one to defend it. It was then that they (the communities) decided to take matters into their own hands and organise themselves into groups capable of defending their home and businesses from these violent and horrific sectarian attack. It was during this period of crises and community tension that the Ulster Defence Association was founded and the ranks of the Ulster Volunteer Force increased significantly. They became the defenders of the community, as they were the community.”

One of fourteen panels in Thorndyke Street, east Belfast. For a list of entries for each panel, see East Belfast Historical And Cultural Society.

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Copyright © 2005 Peter Moloney
M02307 M03629

Better The Grave Than Slavery

Extramural Activity1 Comment

“How is freedom measured? By the effort which it costs to retain freedom!” (See also How Is Freedom Measured? and Deserted! Well – I Can Stand Alone) “Union is strength”. “There were three Home Rule crises: 1885-6, 1892-3 and 1912-14. During these periods the unionist population of Ireland opposed strongly the threat that their country may no longer be part of the United Kingdom, becoming a country in it’s own right. Unionists then as now wanted to remain British. Ulster Unionists believed that Home Rule was not the best interests of nationalist Ireland but if that was what nationalist Ireland wanted, ultimately, and albeit reluctantly, they were prepared to waive their opposition to Home Rule, subject only to the proviso that Ulster should not be subject to Dublin rule. Unionist opposition to Dublin Rule is depicted in this mural, illustrating the price they were prepared to pay for their freedom.”

According to this BBC page, the mural is rather a postcard from WWI, showing a woman exhorting Ulstermen to sign up for service in the British forces.

With the emblem of the East Belfast Regimental Band.

One of fourteen panels in Thorndyke Street, east Belfast. For a list of entries for each panel, see East Belfast Historical And Cultural Society.

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Copyright © 2005/2007 Peter Moloney
M02302 M03631

The City Is Saved

Extramural Activity1 Comment

“In Londonderry on 7 December 1688 thirteen Apprentice Boys seized the initiative, closed the gates of the city and refused admittance to the Jacobite troops. This event is annually commemorated in Londonderry by the Apprentice Boys of Derry. The siege of the City did not actually begin until 18 April 1689,when James II appeared in person at Bishop’s Gate and was refused admittance. The City’s defenders greeted James with cries of ‘No surrender!’ and fired shots at him. The Jacobites were incapable of mounting an effective siege, thus, the Jacobites sought to starve the city into submission. The defenders too had to cope with severe problems. Some 37,000 people were trapped in a city whose normal population was approximately 2,000. The hard-pressed defenders were reduced to eating rats, mice and dogs fattened on human corpses. Some 15,000 people died of dysentery and malnutrition. On the 28th July 1689 three Williamite ships managed to break the boom on the Foyle and relieve the city.”

One of fourteen panels in Thorndyke Street, east Belfast. For a list of entries for each panel, see East Belfast Historical And Cultural Society.

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Copyright © 2005/2007 Peter Moloney
M02300 M03634

The Folk Come Home

Extramural Activity1 Comment

“At the closest point, only 13 miles of water separate the coasts of Ulster and Scotland. From the earliest times to the present day there has been a constant flow of people and ideas between the two coasts. Geography and history have combined to link the peoples of Scotland and Ulster closely together. Indeed, some people have viewed Ulster as an extension of Scotland. With equal logic, Scotland might be viewed as an extension of Ulster. The most important migration across the North Channel was the early 17th century Plantation of Ulster. It has proved to be one of the most politically significant mass migrations to have taken place in western Europe since medieval times but it also should be viewed as part of a well established pattern of population movement between Ulster and Scotland.” Second panel in the Thorndyke Street, Belfast, series. The “Lord Protector of the Commonwealth” is Oliver Cromwell, who put down Irish rebellion (and allied Royalists) in 1650. With emblems of Albertbridge Accordion Band and Ballybeen Young Loyalists.

One of fourteen panels in Thorndyke Street, east Belfast. For a list of entries for each panel, see East Belfast Historical And Cultural Society.

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Copyright © 2005/2007 Peter Moloney
M02299 M03636 M03635

Lt Jackie Coulter

Extramural Activity1 Comment

UDA lieutenant Jackie Coulter was killed, along with Bobby Mahood, as part of the UVF-UDA feud of 2000. The earliest date we have for this mural is 2001, which would mean that it was painted separately from the Johnny Adair C Coy murals of 2000 and 2002.

Shankill Parade, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2005 Peter Moloney
M02477

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
M02287 M02288
Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
[M05742] [M05743] [M05744]

Feriens Tego

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“Feriens, tego” or “Striking, I Defend” is the motto of the Ulster Freedom Fighters, the cover name used by the Ulster Defence Association, whose motto is in the main mural: “Quis separabit” or “Who will separate [us]?”.

Lord Street, east Belfast

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Copyright © 2005 Peter Moloney
M02294 M02293