This is a mostly-complete version of the Summer Of 69 mural in the lower Shankill, depicting the beginning of the Troubles in Belfast. The title is still to be added, and the boy on the left will be given a tricoloured drum.
The mural is based on a Frankie Quinn photograph “Belfast 1984” (BBC).
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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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“… The school playing grounds were covered in cinders we used it playing football matches on, you always skinned your legs on the cinders. I played for the school football team, we didn’t wear a kit we wore old trousers an old jumper and any old shoe or boots you could find. Sometimes the ball we used was made of paper or hankies. … – Water Scott aged 95”
“Schools at Malvern are different to schools in older times. Many things have changed such as discipline. Discipline in the older days was if you spoke back you got hit with a cane, at Malvern if we speak back we get warned and then sent to the Principles office. … – Curtis Nesbitt P6”
By Blaze FX in Hopewell Avenue, Belfast
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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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“Weary people, what reap ye? Golden corn for the stranger.
What sow ye? human corpses that wait for the avenger.
Fainting forms, hunger–stricken, what see you in the offing?
Stately ships to bear our food away, [amid the stranger’s scoffing].
There’s a proud array of soldiers — what do they round your door?
They guard our masters’ granaries from the thin hands of the poor. – Speranza”
The poetry is the first few lines of The Famine Year by “Speranza”, i.e. Lady Jane Wilde, mother of Oscar.
In the centre an aboriginal figure holds the flags of Ireland and of the Native Australians.
This is one of about nine murals painted in 1995 on the Great Hunger (Visual History).
“Painted by Síle Na Gıg & St James Youth Aug 95” in St James’s Crescent/Donegall Road, west Belfast.
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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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[M01893] Copyright © 2000 Sınn Féın
Elizabeth Windsor became queen of the United Kingdom in February, 1952, fifty-five years before this mural was painted in Rockview Street, south Belfast.
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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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Two hooded gunmen from UVF South Belfast brigade, 2nd battalion, C company, take aim at the viewer in the Village.
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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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Young Citizen Volunteers of both the Home Rule (1912) and Troubles periods are shown shouldering rifles. On the side wall: “In loving memory of Volunteer Colin Castle, died 17th February 2006. Lest we forget.”
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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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“In loving memory of Vol. John Hanna, murdered by the enemies of Ulster 10th September 1991. Always remembered by the offices and volunteers of 2nd Batt. “B” Coy Village. Its [sic] not for riches nor for glory but the love of one’s country which [we] are prepared to die for. Here lies a soldier. Gone but not forgotten. FGAU.” The two smaller plaques on either side of the RHC wings on the left are to “Friend Sammy Mehaffy 13th November 1991” and “Volunteer Stevie McCrea 18th February 1989”, both “murdered by the enemies of Ulster”.
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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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“Presentation of colours to South Belfast Volunteers by Edward Carson 1913.” According to the Digital Repository Of Ireland, however, the scene depicted is Carson and the Central Antrim Volunteers in 1914.
Broadway, Village, south Belfast
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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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Footballers T[ommy] Dickson ‘The Duke Of Windsor‘ (WP), J[oe] Bambrick (WP), and Elisha Scott (WP) are celebrated in a mural along Broadway in south Belfast.
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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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The orange lily makes a rare appearance in a paramilitary mural. The hooded gunmen are from the UFF/UDA. Volunteer Stephen “Benson” Kingsberry is remembered in the panel towards the back of the house. He died from consuming tainted ecstasy (perhaps distributed by the UVF). He was included in the roll of honour in Lemberg Street. Kilburn Street, Belfast. Seen previously in 2005.
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Copyright © 2008 Peter Moloney
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