Up Your Haass

Political commentary on the Cupar Way “peace” line (near Lanark Way): “Stick Haass up your ass” — a reference to the negotiations which were taking place around Christmas and New Year’s, led by Richard Haass, into the “legacy issues” of flags and emblems (including murals) and parades. No agreement was reached. (BBC | pdf | BBC)

December update: the Stormont House Agreement covered many of the same areas (WP).

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Copyright © 2014 Peter Moloney
M10870

Let Go Of The Past

“… fight for a better future. It is your choice.” On the darker left-hand side of the board are rioters throwing Molotov cocktails at RUC/PSNI vehicles and the very “peace” wall upon which this board is mounted; on the more colourful right-hand side of the board houses are being built, a student is graduating, children are happy, and workers are taking sledge-hammers to the wall.

With sponsorship from PCSP (Policing & Community Safety Partnership) (web) and Alternatives (web).

Painted by Daniela Balmaverde (web). Cupar Way, west Belfast.

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Copyright © 2014 Peter Moloney
M10868

The Shankill And The Titanic

These are two painted metal-worked pieces bolted to the “peace” line on Cupar Way, celebrating “Shankill Ingenuity” and “Identity, Heritage”, while commemorating the lives lost on Titanic.

“1140” p.m. local time, April 14th, 1912, was when the ship hit an iceberg and began sinking. At about 2:20 a.m., in the early hours of the 15th, it went under.

See also: Belfast Inventiveness and Industrial Legacy.

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Copyright © 2014 Peter Moloney
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The Only Secure Community Is An Organised one

“RNU in west Belfast are today leading the way in combating anti-social behavior [sic], reclaiming republican values, fighting the benefits cuts, tackling the increased drug problem, exposing the slum landlords, rebuilding community pride.”  RNU [Republican Network for Unity (Xitter)] stencil on Northumberland Street. Tommy Doherty (leaflet) is running in the local council elections taking place on May 22nd.

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Copyright © 2014 Peter Moloney
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Cuts

“Cuts: made in Britain [by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition led by Cameron and Clegg government], sold by Stormont!” éırígí (web) stencil on Northumberland Street.

The words “Rise up!” were later added to the banner being carried by the protesters on the right – see X02681.

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Copyright © 2014 Peter Moloney
M10861

Cumann Na mBan

Cumann Na mBan was founded on April 2nd, 1914, and it is being commemorated in various ways, including a mural on Ascaıll Ard na bhFeá/Beechmount Avenue.

Cumann Na mBan was the women’s division of the Irish Volunteers and is best remembered for its role in the Easter Rising of 1916. Its members were involved in the occupation of many locations. Some, including (non-combatant) Winifred Carney, were in the GPO, while Countess Markievicz, the main figure of the mural, was in St. Stephen’s Green. (Here is an RTÉ gallery of vintage photographs, including one of Markievicz surrendering.)

The letters “Cnamb” on a rifle formed the badge of Cumann Na mBan. The Irish “Ní saoırse go saoırse na mban” means “[There is] No freedom until the freedom of women”. 

Replaces the Fıanna Éıreann centenary, 1909-2009, in which Countess Markievicz was also featured.

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Copyright © 2014 Peter Moloney
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Think Independently, Vote Independent

Electioneering is under way in Northern Ireland, ahead of the local and European parliament elections on May 22nd.

“Vótáıl Éırígí #1 Pádraıc Mac Coıtır, Máıre Drumm”. This “Máıre Drumm” is the daughter of Sınn Féın vice-president and 1976 RHC victim Máıre Drumm.

“Think Independently, Vote Independent #VoteMulholland1 Cıarán Mulholland. Neamhspleách/Independent candidate for the Black Mountain ward. The political parties have failed the people of west Belfast. Have your say and change things on the 22nd of May #VoteMulholland1”. Mulholland is an independent (socialist).

Hugo Street, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2014 Peter Moloney
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