Murdered By British Forces

“This plaque is dedicated to the memory of Ned Trodden, Sean Gaynor and John McFadden murdered by British Forces 26th September 1920. Also to the people of this area who suffered at the hands of the RIC who operated out of this commendeered [sic] building [i.e. the Beehive Bar] from 1920-1922.” For more on the trio’s deaths, see The RIC Murder Gang (here called “British Forces”).

Falls Road, Belfast, above the door of the Beehive

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
M05285

Carrickfergus RIR/UDR

“This cairn was erected in memory of Ranger Cyril Smith QGM 2nd battalion the Royal Irish Rangers 24th October 1990. Ranger Smith was killed rescuing a civilian driver who had been tied to a car bomb by terrorists. He succeeded in releasing the driver and helping him to safety. As he knowingly re-entered the danger area to warn his comrades the bomb detonated. For this action he was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.”

“In memory of the part-time members of A Coy. 9 UDR who were murdered by terrorists: 24289588 Pte. Russell HJ 12-13th July 1972, 24582042 Pte. Carlton SA 8th January 1982, ex. A Coy: serving 5 UDR Lieutenant Kerr WC 2nd November 1977.”

(The UDR was merged with the RIR to form the Royal Irish Regiment in 1992.) Both memorials are adjacent to the larger WWI war memorial along Marine Highway, Carrickfergus.

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
M05256 M05257

First Person To Die In The Troubles

2009 was the fortieth anniversary of the beginning of the Troubles and of the “first person to be killed in the Troubles – murdered by the RUC at this spot [Main Street, Dungiven] on 14th July 1969”: Francie (Pól Beag) McCloskey. McCloskey was a 67 year-old farmer standing in a shop doorway on the 12th (BelTel) or 13th (An Phoblacht) when the RUC charged nationalist rioters attacking the Orange lodge. He would die of a brain haemorrhage on the 14th. “Ar dheıs Dé go raıbh a anam.”

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
M05196

Claudy Bombing Memorial

Three suspected IRA car bombs exploded on Main Street, Claudy, on July 31st, 1972, killing nine people and injuring 30. This memorial on Church Street was designed by Elizabeth McLoughlin and unveiled in 2000.  The plaque also acknowledges “the suffering and loss of many others in the Claudy region over the years.”

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
M05164 [M05165] M05166

Jim McKernan

“I ndıl cuimhne [chuimhne] Óglach Jim McKernan executed by the British Army near this spot 14th September 1986. Fuaır sé bás ar son saoırse na hÉıreann. [He died for the cause of Ireland’s freedom]” McKernan was killed in a gun battle between an IRA unit and a British Army foot patrol. Andersonstown Road at Ballyowen.

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
M05160

They Were Faithful And They Fought

The main plaque (shown first above) is new; like its predecessor (see M02186)  list of the local dead of the IRA 1st battalion, Belfast brigade and related members of the republican movement. (A shorter list is on the plaque to the left, shown second.) There is also a 200th anniversary plaque for the 1798 rebellion: “1798-1998 Who Fears To Speak Of 98. This plaque was erected to the memory of the United Irishmen who gave their lives for Irish freedom also those who died as a result of the Great Hunger. ‘These are the times that try mens’ souls.’ [- Thomas Paine] The rich always betray the poor.’ – Henry Joy McCracken.” The memorial garden is next to the Andersonstown Social Club (a.k.a. the PD or “People’s Democracy”).

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
M05152 [M05153] [M05156] M05157 M05154 [M05155]
2010 [M05793] [M05792] [M05791]

Léana An Dúın – Unbowed, Unbroken

Cú Chulaınn stands dying, an inspiration to republicans fighting against the British (rather than Queen Medb), including those Lenadoon locals whose portraits adorn the apex: Tony Henderson, John Finucane, Tony Jordan, Brendan O’Callaghan, Joe McDonnell, Laura Crawford, Maıréad Farrell, Patricia Black, Bridie Quinn (Bridie O’Neill in the previous version of this mural).

Repainted, with a plaque on the right that reads, “This mural, dedicated to the patriot dead of Lenadoon, was unveiled by Gerard O’Neill, Easter 2009.”

See also the Cú Chulaınn Visual History page.

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
M05134 [M05132] [M05133]