Belfast west

Know Your History

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“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.

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1981-2011

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For the 30th anniversary of the second hunger strike, the mosaic portraits of the ten men to die (plus Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg) used at the Falls Road end of Beechmount Avenue to commemorate the 25th anniversary, are placed around the blanketmen board above the Clowney Street phoenix.

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In Vogue

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This piece of wild-style writing by RASER and AKEN of TMN krew (which replaces last year’s eagle) is remarkable for its location, which is on the Falls Road just past the Falls/Glen roundabout (site of the former RUC barracks). As such, it is (still) the only piece of non-sectarian art in a CNR area. This wall is presumably painted with the permission (and perhaps at the invitation of) the owners of the salon.

Glen Parade, west Belfast

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Mussen Cortège

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“Richard Mussen joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (27th foot) at the age of 15. At the outbreak of the Zulu wars he volunteered for active service and was transferred to the Second Battalion The South Wales Borderers (24th foot). At the outbreak of the Great War he joined the 9th Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles and with him went his 4 sons and 2 sons-in-law. His son Richard (junior) was killed at the Somme on Thursday 21st March, 1918 and is remembered at Pozieres Memorial. Richard Mussen was buried from 22 Dundee Street [which was just above Agnes Street] on 29/12/1936 and was accorded full Military Honours. He was laid to rest in Belfast City Cemetery.” (From the accompanying plaque.)

Here is a short NVTv documentary about Mussen, including (at 12m25s) the image on which the mural shown here is based. The mural was done with spray paint by artist Sam Bates a.k.a. SMUG. It was unveiled on June 24th, 2011.

For some close-ups and the plaque, see the 2016 post.

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Homecoming Parade

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“MOD deny our troops a well deserved homecoming parade. We as a community need to stand together as one and show our support for those who have sacrificed their lives and served this Country. Please show your support for these brave servicemen and women at Belfast City Hall on Sunday May 22nd 2011. Everyone will be meeting at 12 noon at the Shankill Memorial Gardens and walking to Belfast City Hall. If you care be there.”

For a little background, see this BBC article.

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Save Brendan Lillis

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Brendan Lillis was imprisoned in 1977 but freed in 2003. He was returned to prison in 2009 on robbery charges. Lillis was released from Maghaberry on August 19th, 2011, on humanitarian grounds – he suffered from a severe form of arthritis (BBC-NI).

At the site of the old Andersonstown RUC barracks.

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