painted wall

UFF South East Antrim Brigade

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16 towns and town-lands of south-east County Antrim are named in this recent UFF mural: Rathcoole, Rathfern, Monkstown, Shore Road, Whitewell, Glengormley, Greenisland, Carrickfergus, Whitehead, Ballycarry, Ballyclare, Larne, Newtownards, Antrim, Antrim, Ballymena, Braidside.

This mural was painted in late summer, 2015, on a wall that had been blank since at least 2008. In 2006, it bore a UDA mural, for which see M03060.

Knockenagh Avenue, Rathfern, Newtownabbey

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Copyright © 2016 Peter Moloney
[M13115] M13116 [M13117]

To Retain Our Britishness

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Here is a new mural of the “Rathcoole Elite” unit (1st Batt., B. Coy) of the Red Hand Commando, complete with four masked men each bearing weapons. Founded in 1970, “To this day our principles remain the same: to protect the loyalist community, to retain our Britishness. It is not for glory or riches we fight but for our people. Lamh Dearg Abu.”

The small plaque reads, “This mural is dedicated to the memory of Volunteer Norman Williamson, born 7-7-1955, died 2-7-1991. Gone but not forgotten.”

Donardview Close, Rathcoole, Newtownabbey

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Copyright © 2016 Peter Moloney
M13100 [M13101] [M13102] [M13103] [M13104] [M13105] M13106

At Home And On The Mainland

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“We salute all volunteers at home and on the mainland who served with dignity and pride.”

The mural shows two hooded volunteers — from the UVF’s 3rd [north] Belfast battalion and 1st east Antrim battalion – aiming rifles.

The central plaque to Colin Caldwell has been retained from the previous mural and both Caldwell and Marky Quail are named on the ribbons painted around the building’s columns.

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Copyright © 2016 Peter Moloney
M13108 [M13109] [M13110] [M13111] [M13112] M13113 M13114 M13107

Murdered Close To This Spot

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A poppy cross has been added to the UVF memorial mural and plaque at Spier’s Place. The accompanying plaque reads “This poppy cross is in memory of three men who were murdered by republican murder gangs close to this spot. William Marchant died 28th April 1987, David Hamilton died 16th June 1994, Trevor King died 9th July 1994.” For some background, see Ordinary People, Extraordinary Roles.

The mural was painted in 2008; the central plaques was first recorded in 2005. For the tarp above, see Families Against Supergrass Trials.

Spier’s Place, Shankill, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2016 Peter Moloney
M13098 M13099 M13096 [M13097]

Free Tony Taylor

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Derry republican and RNU (web) spokesperson Tony Taylor was released under the conditions of the Good Friday agreement. He was jailed for three years in 2011 for possession of a rifle. His license was revoked in March (2016) and he was returned to prison on the grounds that he poses a danger to the public. Both RNU/Cogús and Sınn Féın have called for his release. (Irish News)

Berwick Road, Ardoyne, north Belfast

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Copyright © 2016 Peter Moloney
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Na Fıanna Éıreann

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Here is a Na Fıanna Éıreann mural in Ardoyne with Easter lilies on each side of the Fıanna’s ‘sunburst’ (gal gréıne) emblem (which also includes a pike or bill).

For a history of sunburst flags, with lots of images, see An Sıonnach Fıonn. A banner sporting an early version of the emblem, owned by Countess Markievicz during the Rising, was recently returned from London to Dublin (Irish Times).

Like the name “Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann”, “Na Fıanna Éıreann” has been used by many organisations for their youth division; this one is associated with the RNU (web).

Berwick Road, Ardoyne, across the street from Ardoyne’s Fallen Fıanna.

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Copyright © 2016 Peter Moloney
M13076 [M13077] [M13078]

For Valour

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This WWI Victoria Cross mural was launched in December, 2014 (NI World), replacing Fight To A Finish. The soldier doesn’t appear to be anyone in particular; the only VC winner from Ballymena was from the Boer War (VC Online).

There are three plaques on the sides, added at various times over the years. On the right, two to James Aberdeen: “In loving memory of our brother Jimmy Aberdeen 28th Aug 1965 – 20th Nov 1995. Forever in our thoughts.” “In memory of James Aberdeen from the members of the Young Loyalist F.B. Pollok, Glasgow. Always remembered.” And on the left: “In loving memory of Charles Robertson 17/07/56 to 25/06/07. A father, grandfather a brother and loyal friend to all hands across the water.”

Drumtara, Ballymena

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Copyright © 2016 Peter Moloney
M13044 M13045 M13046 M13047 [M13048] M13049 M13050

The Lion Wears The Crown

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This Ballee Flute Band mural (formerly for the Ballee Blues And Royals) shows the ‘lion and the unicorn’ from the UK coat of arms. The lion (England) wears a crown but the unicorn (Scotland) does not, since, as the nursery rhyme has it, “the lion beat the unicorn all around the town” (WP).

However, in place of the Royal Standard’s crest and “honi soit qui mal y pense” and “Dieu et mon droit” inscriptions, we find the Bible, “Drumtara”, and “In God we trust”.

Behind are the Union Flag and the flags of the Apprentice Boys and the Orange Order.

Ballee Way, Ballymena

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Copyright © 2016 Peter Moloney
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