“Release Martin Corey, political prisoner. End internment now” with an unusual use of a dove rather than a lark. For background, see Release Martin Corey. With various other anti-Agreement graffiti and stencils in the area, including a “Join RSF [Republican Sınn Féın] – Éıre Nua” stencil, “SF” in a cross-hairs, and a “CIRA” “RIRA” cross-word.
“Remember the La Mon bombing – 13 protestants killed for what??? Sinn Fein/Sinn Fien vote!” The La Mon hotel and restaurant, outside Belfast, was filled with civilians enjoying dinner-dances at the time it was bombed by the IRA in February 1978 (WP).
Ravenhill Avenue and Clara Street. There was identical graffito in Carrington Street.
A message from “E.B. [east Belfast] Loyalists” in Castlereagh Parade, combining two speeches of Winston Churchill’s: We have nothing to offer but blood, tears, and sweat. Whatever the cost maybe, we shall fight on the beach’es, we shall fight in the fields and on the street’s. We shall never surrender.”
1940-05-13: “I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined the government: I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask: What is our policy? I will say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us, to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark and lamentable catalogue of human crime.”
1940-06-04: “We shall defend our island whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall fight in the fields and in the streets. We shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender. ”
“End British internment! Maghaberry. End forced strip searching! End controlled movement!” The high-security prison holds 1,000 prisoners and segregates loyalists and republicans, a situation described as “a festering sore” in a recent inspection (Tele). Republicans say that the current crisis overlooks existing issues such as controlled movement and strip searches.
This is the internment (or “assumption”) bonfire in the Bogside with what appear to be hand-painted boards depicting a PSNI land-rover and the flags of the UVF, Scotland, Israel, and LVF. It is not known if these were stolen or painted exclusively for the purpose of burning.
Here are two pieces of graffiti from Slemish Way, opposite and below the Kieran Doherty portrait. First, “Fuck Thatcher – remember 1981 hunger strikers”; second, “Michael Campbell – bring him home” (see BBC).
“In proud and loving memory of Vol. Gerard [Gerald] McDade, Belfast Brigade, Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann. Murdered by British Crown Forces 21st December 1971, aged 23 years. NÍ dhéanfaıdh muıd dearmad [gur] fuaır sé bás ar son saoırse na hÉıreann. Remember Our Volunteers Committee, 17th December 2011.”
McDade was staff captain of 3rd battalion. He was stopped on foot in Ardoyne (where he is also remembered) and was shot while trying to run off (Belfast Child). This plaque, in Beechmount Road, was mounted for the fortieth anniversary of his death.
The plaque is on the whitewashed gable that was previously the site of a mural to volunteers Liam “Bulmer” McParland, Billy Carson, Liam Mulholland, and Sean Doyle – see Ballymurphy Resistance.
Eddie The Trooper is repainted in the Waterside. The main panel remains as before but the Haig quote above has been replaced by the UFF’s clenched fist in a yellow six-pointed star.
A small engraved plaque showing the shop-front of Frizzell’s fish shop has been added to the memorial on the Shankill Road. The upper tablet was seen previously in Frizzell’s.
Another such engraving can be found on the Mountainview Bar/Tavern, commemorating the 1975 bombing and gun attack there in which five people were killed and 60 injured (WP).
“Join RSF [Republican Sinn Féin] – Éire Nua” in Estoril Park “Free Marian Price” in Flax Street “Repatriate Michael Campbell – bring him home” in Ardoyne Avenue (BBC) “No sectarian parade 100%” in Jamaica Road (WP) “Ha ha Thatcher – IRA” in Havana Court
Peter Moloney Collection 