sculpture/carving

James Connolly/Séamus Ó Conghaıle

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A statue of James Connolly was unveiled in the grounds of Comhaırle Phobaıl Na bhFál on March 25th (An Phoblacht). The statue is part of Slí Na Gaeltachta.

A little further long the road, tarps announce plans for a “James Connolly Interpretive Centre” (eventually opened in 2019 as “James Connolly Visitor Centre”).

“Eagraí ceardchumaınn, Sóısıalaí, Idırnáısıúnaí agus duıne de cheannaırí Éırí Amach na Cásca 1916. Bhí cónaí ar Ó Conghaıle agus ar a theaghlach ı measc lucht oıbre Bhéal Feırste agus chuıdıgh sé le Caıtıicıgh, Protastúnaıgh agus easaontóırí troıd ar mhaıthe le suımeanna na gnáthaıcme. Rugadh ı nDún Éıdeann ar 5 Meıtheamh 1868 é, mharaıgh scuad lámhaıgh Brıotanach é ı bPríosún Chıll Mhaıghneann, Baıle Átha Clıath ar 12 Bealtaıne 1916 as an pháırt a ghlac sé ın Éırí Amach na Cásca. / Trade union organiser, Socialist, Internationalist and one of the leaders of the Easter Rising 1916. Connolly along with his family lived among the working people of Belfast and helped organise, Catholics, Protestants and dissenters to fight together for the common class interests. Born in Edinburgh 5 June 1868, he was executed by firing squad in Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin, 12 May 1916 for his part in the Easter Rising.”

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Copyright © 2016 Peter Moloney
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Shankill Protestant Boys

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The main part of this installation is a large painted carving of lions rampant on either side of the emblem of the Shankill Protestant Boys flute band (Fb), named for the Shankill Boys of the original Ulster Volunteers and the Ulster Special Service Force unit within it which was designed to be a unit of “first responders”, ready to react at short notice to action by republicans or British forces anywhere in northern Ireland (historyireland).

With the outbreak of World War I, the Ulster Volunteers joined the RIR and the 36th (Ulster) Division and fought at the Battle Of The Somme in 1916: “’The Ulster Division has lost more than half the men who attacked and in doing so has sacrificed it for the Empire which has treated them none too well. The much derided Ulster Volunteer Force has won a name which equals any in history. Their devotion, which no doubt has helped the advance elsewhere, deserved the gratitude of the British Empire. It is due to the memory of these brave fellows that their beloved Province shall be fairly treated.’ Captain Wilfred [sic] Spender HQ staff 2nd July 1916″

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Copyright © 2015 Peter Moloney
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Cross Of Crosses

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“The Cross Of Crosses – marking 45 years of conflict in Northern Ireland 1969-2014. Let this be the year the conflict ends. Sponsored by: George McIlroy, IGNITE 2014”

The sculpture, which contains 45 small crosses, was designed by Ross Wilson.

Between the security gates on Northumberland Street, west Belfast.

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Copyright © 2015 Peter Moloney
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Oftenest From Their Ashes

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The forty portraits of local volunteers and activists have been moved over from the mural on Ardoyne Avenue after the plaster fell off (see Ardoyne, Bone, Ligoniel). For the (pre-existing) plaque and cross, see 2002 and 2015.

The portraits are of … above: James Saunders, Gerard McDade, David McAuley, James Reid, Joseph McComiskey, Pat McCabe, Sid McKee, John Copeland, Terry Toolan, Stephen Scullion, Terry Clarke, Declan McCluskey, Patrick Markey, Peter Hamilton, Seamus McCusker, Jim Mulvenna, Lawrence Montgomery, Larry Marley, Alan Lundy

below: Paddy McAdorey, Charles McCann, Joseph Campbell, Seamus Cassidy, Bernard Fox, Brian Smith, James McDade, James O’Hanlon, John Mooney, Barney McKenna, Raymond Wilkinson, Mary McGuigan, Martin Meehan, Maggie McClenaghan, Trevor McKibbin, Frankie Donnelly, Billy Carson, Sean Bateson, Thomas Begley

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Copyright © 2015 Peter Moloney
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Lisburn UDR Memorial

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“In memory of the men and women who served in the ranks of the Ulster Defence Regiment 1970-1992”. The statue is by sculptor John Sherlock and was unveiled on June 17th, 2011 (NI World).

Market Square South, Lisburn

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Copyright © 2011 Peter Moloney
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No Pasarán!

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“Dedicated to the people of Belfast, the island of Ireland and beyond who joined the XV International Brigade to fight Fascism in the Spanish Civil War 1936 – 39, and to those men and women from all working traditions who supported the Spanish working people and their Republic. This sculpture was commissioned by the International Brigades Commemoration Committee and unveiled by Bob Doyle International Brigade veteran on 13th October 2007. Sculpted by Anto Brennan. Erected by the Open Window Production Team, Gerard Brennan.”

Writers’ Square, Belfast city centre

Previously by the Brennans: Jim Larkin in Donegall Square.

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Copyright © 2009 Peter Moloney
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