physical force

The Undauntable Thought

Extramural Activity3 Comments

“Michael Ferguson Sınn Féın MLA 25-10-53–25-9-06. Sean Keenan Sınn Féın 9-5-50–31-7-06. “It lights the dark of this prison cell/it thunders forth its might/it is the undauntable thought, my friend/the thought that says ‘I’m right'” – Bobby Sands”. Keenan was son of Derry republican Seán Keenan.

“Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann. Óglach Patricia Black 28-11-71–15-11-91. Óglach Frankie Ryan 23-9-66–15-11-91. Beırıgí bua.” The pair died near London when a bomb exploded prematurely.

On Pantridge Road, which runs into Michael Ferguson Roundabout at its eastern end. (See Teeling Family.)

Black and Ryan are also remembered by a plaque in nearby Woodside (M08902).

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
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The Great Wars & The Recent Conflict

Extramural Activity1 Comment

“In remembrance of all those Ulstermen & women from the Greater Dunmurry area who died during the great wars 1914-1918 and 1939-1945. Also those men and women who died during the recent conflict. Lest we forget.” The “recent conflict” perhaps includes the Ulster Special Constabulary (the B Specials), formed in 1920 and replaced by the UDR in 1970 – as included in the plaque on the railings. Rowan Drive, Dunmurry. See previously: Their Loyalty Betrayed and the 2005 images of Freedom Corner.

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
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Bobby Jackson Mural

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A mural depicting William’s conquest of Ireland, including the Crossing Of The Boyne (on the left) and the Siege Of Derry (on the right), was originally painted by Bobby Jackson (Senior) in the 1940s. In 1993, the wall on which the mural was painted was decaying and threatened by redevelopment (and having already been moved once, in the 1970s) and so it was destroyed and replaced, with a plaque in its side reading “The Bobby Jackson Memorial”. A new, very similar, mural was painted (?by Jackson Sr and/or Jackson Jr?) on boards in 1995 and is placed on the wall during the marching season. The Fountain, Londonderry.

The Bobby Jackson mural has its own Visual History page.

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
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Strabane’s Republican Graves

Extramural Activity1 Comment

Gravestones to brothers Michael, David, and Hugh Devine, to Charles Breslin, who died alongside Michael and David, to “all those who gave their lives” – “Go luí cré ársa Thír Eoghaın go héadrom ar uıgheanna ár laochraı uaısle” [May the ancient Tyrone clay lie lightly on the graves of our noble warriors]; this headstone is featured in a Fountain Street mural – and Danny McCauley – “Where there is a struggle for justice, the desire for freedom and resistance to exploitation, there will always be a Danny McCauley.”

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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West Tyrone Command

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Updated version of the monument to West Tyrone Command (seen in 2005) – perhaps with new fencing. A modern volunteer stands on the left, Cú Chulaınn on the right. “In proud memory of Vol. Charles Breslin age 20, Vol. Michael Devine age 22, Vol. David Devine age 16. West Tyrone command, Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann. Killed by crown forces near this spot 23 Feb. 1985.” The three were killed in an alleged shoot-to-kill incident. Obituaries in An Phoblacht.

Fountain Street, Strabane

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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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