Know Your History

“If you know your history …” – a mural sponsored by the Belfast Celtic Society in St. James’s Crescent celebrates some star players – Charlie Tully (WP), Paddy Bonnar, and  Jimmy Jones (WP) – and the old playing ground, Celtic Park or ‘Paradise’, on Donegall Road. Wide shot and close-ups below. (Belfast Telegraph write-up.)

Video from the Belfast Celtic Society of the work in progress and of the unveiling – Jimmy Jones was there in person.

St Katherine’s Road, Belfast

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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The Unsung Heroes

“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].

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Liggett & Brady

IRA volunteer Francis Liggett was shot by the British Army in January 1973 as he attempted to rob the Royal. One of the images of Gerry Adams in paramilitary beret comes from Liggett’s funeral. Paddy Brady was a Sınn Féın activist shot in 1984 at his work by the UFF (Sutton). Both were from the St James’s area of west Belfast. Their portraits are on either side of Éıre personified. They are also included in the ‘Roll of Honour’ in the memorial garden below them. The verses are from Bobby Sands’s poem Weeping Winds.

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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Loyalist Monarch

Graffiti on the electrical boxes near the Broadway roundabout, marking the western edge of the (PUL) Village: “Loyalist Monarch [Street]”, “FTIBA“, “KAT” [Kill all Taigs [Catholics]], “ATAT” [All Taigs are targets], “The young, the brave, the fearless – YCV”, “Village UVF”.

In the background is the 2010 Monarch bonfire.

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If Carlsberg Watched Bonfires

Signage on the 2010 Monach bonfire: “Michael Quinn weres [sic] your ball. Ward 3 South [?of Belfast City hospital?].” “Fuck ur IBA” [a gang of young hoods from CNR St James’s]. And “If Carlsberg watched bonfires, DRL [Dongall Road Loyalists] wuda [“would have”] been [the] best watched bonfire in the world.” There is also a swastika at the bottom. On the night, there was rioting at the site (BelTel).

The other Donegall Road bonfire (at the City Hospital) was set burnt out early (BelTel) and on the night there was a hit and run (BelTel).

Monarch Street, Belfast, in the old industrial estate.

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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United Hope

“United Hope – Artist Joanna Vance. Workshops were held in partnership with community representatives, ethnic minorities and members of staff. The project theme was project diversity, allowing women to explore issues such as similarity and difference, ethnicity and race and belonging. After discussions it was decided that the mural should include users of the centre from the community and staff also that it would be completed in black & white with empowering words running through it, as these represent what the centre means to women on a daily basis.”

Kilburn Street, Belfast

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Copyright © 2010 Peter Moloney
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