Lower Falls Memorial Garden

Here are six images from the lower Falls memorial garden. Four of the central monument, which honours “those brave and gallant vols” of Belfast Brigade D Coy, 2 Batt. The left-hand panel quotes Pearse and the right-hand panel commemorates the Falls Curfew of July 1970. Also shown are two plaques, one to the left and one to the right, again honouring the members of D Coy, 2nd battalion of the IRA. “Their bravery and courage will be etched in the annals of Irish Republicanism and indelible in the minds of generations to come. Scríobhfar a n-aınmneacha ı lıtreacha óır.”

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Copyright © 2001 Peter Moloney
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Tom Williams

Tom Williams’s family was driven out of the Shore Road and settled in Clonard, where he joined the local Fıanna and then IRA. He was hanged at age 19 in Crumlin Road gaol for the killing of an RUC officer. Williams took responsibility so that the others in the gang, including Joe Cahill, could be reprieved. His body was buried in the prison but exhumed and re-buried in Milltown in 2000 (WP).

Next to the board is a plaque “dedicated to all from the Falls and Clonard areas who lost their lives as a result of the conflict in our country. A Mhuıre, banríon na nGael, guıgh orthu. [Mary, queen of the Gaels, pray for them]”

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Copyright © 2001 Peter Moloney
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Coffin Ship

One in four Irish people, more than 2 million people, left Ireland between 1845 and 1855, many sailing on so-called “coffin ships” which had mortality rates of 30%. Another million died in the Great Hunger itself, in most cases the proximate causes were fever and dysentery (WP | Irish Central).

Crocus Street, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2001 Peter Moloney
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“Kidso” Reilly

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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On The Brink Of Sectarian Disaster

Dissatisfaction with Billy McMillen’s leadership of the Belfast OIRA led to the Provisionals splitting off in 1969, after the outbreak of the Troubles in August. The PIRA made two attempts on his life. He was killed, however, by a member of the INLA – the result of the second (1974) split from the Officials – in 1975. Here is a pamphlet of his writings, including the 1973 Bodenstown speech from which the quotation comes. The board features a famous image of Markets OIRA leader Joe McCann.

Clondara St, Belfast

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Copyright © 2001 Peter Moloney
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