painted wall

William Drennan

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William Drennan, 1754-1820, was a doctor, poet, Presbyterian, one of the founders of the Society of United Irishmen, and the first person to refer to Ireland as “the Emerald Isle”, in his poem When Erin First Rose. The words in this mural are the epitaph on his stone in Clifton Street Cemetery: “Pure, just, benign. Thus filial love would trace the virtues, hollowing [sic] this narrow space. The Emerald Isle may grant a wider claim and link the patriot with his country’s name.”

Ludlow Square, New Lodge, north Belfast.

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Copyright © 1997 Peter Moloney
M01349

On Again

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A mural of traditional republican symbols – armed and masked volunteers with celtic cross, phoenix, pikes, Tricolour and Sunburst flags – but unusual for 1997. Perhaps it dates to the period before the second/renewed ceasefire, on July 19th. Stanfield Place, Belfast. M01346

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Copyright © 1997 Peter Moloney
M01346

Release All POWs Now

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Both male and female prisoners of war are represented in this mural: by the male and female faces — the male above the silhouette of Long Kesh, the female behind bars (presumably of Armagh prison) – and by the (formerly astrological) symbols for male (Mars) and female (Venus). “Saoırse” (“freedom”). The mural is signed (top left): “G[erard Mo Chara] Kelly 95 [© SF??]”.

Kinallen Court, Belfast

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Copyright © 1997 Peter Moloney
M01340

Approved Orange Route

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The “approved Orange route” – approved by the “SS” RUC and the Parades Commission Chairman, is right over Catholics. The march was cancelled on July 11th after opposition to marches in many places, including the Drumcree march of July 6th. “June 20” (on the right of the mural) is the date Mo Mowlam (Beware!) is reported to have decided to force the Drumcree march down Garvaghy Road.

Dromara Street, south Belfast

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Copyright © 1997 Peter Moloney
M01338 M01339

Sandy Row 2nd Batt

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Three panels in a row with Ulster First Flute, UVF/PAF/YCV (seen in 1995), and UDA insignia. In the middle, on either side of the UVF’s “for God and Ulster”, masked volunteers carry Uzis.

Albion Street, Belfast, just off Sandy Row.

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Copyright © 1997 Peter Moloney
M01334 M01333 M01335