plaque

Comhıonannas Don Ghaeılge

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“Equality for Irish”. At the 2006 Sınn Féın Slógadh, MEP Baırbe De Brún called for an Irish Language Act (Sinn Féin press release). The protesters in the mural carry placards reading “Is Gael mıse – teastaıonn Gaeılge uaım [I am Irish, I need Irish]”, “Naıre oraınn a Chomaırle [Shame on you, [Belfast City] Council]”, “Cearta teanga – cearta daonna [not “daonne”]” – “language rights, human rights”. “We demand respect for our culture.”

The same trio of Pádraıg Mac Pıaraıs, Winifred Carney, and Roıbéard Ó Seachnasaıgh appears in Cláraıgh Le Sınn Féın. Sands’s famous saying (“the laughter of our children …”) is translated into Irish: Is é gáıre ár gcuıd páıstí a bheas mar dhıoltas again.

Shiels Street, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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The Runner

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‘The Runner’ is the final mural painted by the Bogside Artists in the series that would in 2007 be collectively given the name The People’s Gallery (the John Hume mural was added in 2008). The mural shows youths running from CS gas in Creggan. There are portraits of Manus Deery (see his Bogside plaques) and Charles Love in the bottom left; the plaque to Love in the centre is retained.

Fahan Street, Bogside, Derry

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
M02755 [M02756]

The Falls Curfew

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“I ndıl chuımhne William Burns, died 3-7-70, Charles O’Neill 3-7-70, Zbigniew Uglik 4-7-70, Patrick Elliman 11-7-70, murdered by the British Army during the Falls Curfew of July 3-5 1970. The curfew was finally broken by the courage and determination of the women of Belfast.”

There is video of the 2005 launch and reenactment of the breaking of the blockade. The plaque for a time moved to the International Wall (see the mural to Máıre Drumm and the ending of the Falls Curfew) before returning to this spot (next to Elaine’s/Falls Rolls – see Ár Tae Will Come).

Falls Road, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
M02749

James Connolly

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“Born 5th June 1868, executed 12th May 1916. Connolly. “Ireland as distinct from her people is nothing to me.” James Connolly, socialist, patriot, republican, lived here [420 Falls Road, Belfast] as labour organizer during the years 1910 to 1916. This plaque was presented by Gerry Fitt MP on behalf of the Republican Labour Party and unveiled by James Connolly’s son Roderic on 5 June 1968.”

The images of the info board are from 2013.

Falls Road, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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Brendan McNamee – Miriam Daly

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Brendan McNamee was shot by the Officials in 1975; Miriam Daly was shot by loyalists in her Andersonstown home. “In death as in life they remain an inspiration to everyone who believes in Irish freedom. Erected by the Irish Republican Socialist Ex-Prisoners Memorial Committee.”

Andersonstown Road, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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Brian Robinson

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“1st Batt B Coy Vol Brian Robinson killed in action 2nd Sept 1989. For his country and people he took up the gun a volunteer to the end and a true Ulster son robbed of his life’s blood in Sept 89 but the name Brian Robinson will live for all time.” Robinson was killed by an army undercover unit moments after he had shot and killed a Catholic named Patrick McKenna (WP). As the plaque notes, his mother died at the same time – she reportedly had a heart-attack when she heard of his death.

Disraeli Street, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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Lt Col Trevor King

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Trevor “Kingso” King served time for his part in the Battle At Springmartin in 1972, in which seven people, including a British soldier, died. In 1994, having been shot by the INLA and paralysed from the neck down, King took the decision to remove his own life-support (WP).

The words on the left are from Suicide In The Trenches by WWI poet Siegfried Sassoon:

You smug-faced crowds with kindling eye
Who cheer when soldier lads pass by
Sneak home and pray you’ll never know
The hell where youth and laughter go

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
M02729 [M02730] M02731 [M02732]
2012 repaint [M08244] [M08245] [M08246] [M08247]

Killed By Weapon Systems

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Two plaques in Guildhall Square, London-/Derry: “In memory of all those from and within the city and district who have lost their lives as a result of war and conflict.” “In memory of all those killed by weapon systems produced within the City & District.” The reference is to Derry-made Raytheon missiles, perhaps specifically for their part in the Israeli invasion of Lebanon (orbops | indymedia).

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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