“In proud and loving memory of all local volunteers, prisoners of war, republican activists and the unsung heroes who died of natural causes having served the cause of Irish republicanism [“sean óglach” on the individual plaques]. Together in unity you formed a bond which gave true meaning to the undefeated risen people. Your deeds of bravery and resistance will never be forgotten by the people of greater St. James’s. In your honour the quest for Irish freedom continues.”
With the famous “our steps will be onward” quote from Máıre Drumm at an anti-internment rally in Dunville Park on 10th August, 1975 (RN).
Coıste Cuımhneacháın Lár Na bhFál/Ard Na bhFeá [Memorial committee of mid-Falls/Beechmount].
This UDA memorial garden is in Lemberg Street, at the top of (south Belfast) Roden Streeet. The plaque to John McMichael and eleven others would later be moved to Sandy Row. The stone on the right reads “In memory of fallen comrades south Belfast brigade”.
“This mural is dedicated to the Ulster Volunteer Force 36th (Ulster) division. In 1912 Ulster was under the threat of home rule, Sir Edward Carson called upon the people of ulster to resist and almost half a million men and women signed a covenant to pledge their support; the U.V.f. was formed militarily trained and armed with thousands of guns that were smuggled into ports on board ships such as the SS. Clyde Valley; disciplined units of armed volunteers would soon be seen on the streets of ulster sending out a stark warning to those who would seek to force the bill throughout; 1914 saw the outbreak of WW1 and when Britain called put aside his differences and offered the services of his offer was accepted and 13 battalions were amalgamated with 3 existing based Irish regiments to form the on the 1st July the division played their part at the battle of the somme and although they achieved their objectives they had suffered over 5,000 casualties; as the war raged on fought nobly and bravely and on many occasions side by side with Irishmen who would once have been their bitter enemies but faced with battle they were brothers in arms; the Ulster Tower now stands beside Theipval Wood in France as a fitting monument in recognition of the sacrifice made by these brave Ulstermen. ‘Pass not this spot in sorrow but in pride that you may live as nobly as they died'” The gravestones shown are to 6322 Private J. Condon Royal Irish Regiment 24th May 1915 age 14 and 10/16015 Rifleman S. Thompson Royal Irish Rifles, 5th October 1918.
“I am not an Ulsterman but yesterday 1st July as I followed their amazing attack I felt that I would rather be an Ulsterman than anything else in the world” Captain Wilfred [Wilfrid] Spender – the Somme, 1916.”
“COSY [local bar] Somme Association, East Belfast.”
“When you go home/Tell them of us/And say for your tomorrow/We gave our today.” is a WWII epitaph by John Maxwell Edmonds in Kohima Cemetery. It is shown here on a plaque on a stone in New Mossley community garden (also the site of a time capsule).
“The people’s taxis”, meaning the people of nationalist west Belfast, as is clear from the imagery surrounding the WBTA terminal entrance: Fionn eating the salmon of knowledge (while standing on the Giant’s Causeway), The Limerick Piper (transposed to Belfast’s Cave Hill) by John Patrick Haverty (1794-1854) (also reproduced in this Ardoyne mural), and a copy of Jim Fitzpatrick’s Sadb.
“In memory of Father Hugh Mullan shot dad 9th August 1971 [Ballymurphy Massacre]and Father Noel Fitzpatrick shot dead 9th July 1972 [Springhill-Westrock Massacre] while ministering to dying parishioners in St John’s Parish.” The plaque is inside St Peter’s cathedral in Divis, Belfast.
Northern Protestants prepare to resist the Home Rule act, c. 1912. Clockwise from top left, gun-running on the Clyde Valley, the Covenant, Carson and the Central Antrim Volunteers (see also M04206), mounted rifles of the Ulster Volunteers (see also M00545).
The plaque reads “They shall not grow old/As those who were left behind grow old//Age shall not weary them/Or the years condemn//As the going down of the sun/And in the morning//We will remember them” (Binyon ‘For The Fallen‘)
“The Billy Greer Somme memorial garden was opened by Jamesy “The Piper” Walker on the 14th December 2007. Dedicated to the fallen of the 36th (Ulster) Division at the battle of the Somme 1st July 1916. We will remember them.” Greer, East Antrim UVF commander, died in July 2006 (Mulvenna).
“In proud memory of our fallen comrades from the officers and members of South Belafst 2nd Battalion [‘A’ Company Donegall Pass] ‘Glorious on the graves of heroes, kindly upon all those who have suffered for the cause. Thus will shine the dawn. They gave their tomorrow for our today.'” UVF memorial garden in Walnut Street.
