“Conway linen mill 1842-1976.” The mill is currently in use as an arts centre and museum; the centre’s web page has a history (including a video) of the mill.
“Artists Margaret McCann & Deborah Hamilton 06. Beechmount Community Project.”
This is another piece for the project was hung in Beechmount Avenue/Ascaıll Ard Na bhFeá – see M04431.
Thames Street, west Belfast
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X05960
In the two-person game of ‘rock-paper-scissors’ (or four-person ‘rock-paper-scissors-lizard-Spock’) rock prevents scissors from cutting. Sınn Féın are encouraging stoney resistance to austerity proposals by the Conservative party (Tories).
The cuts would continue – see Stop Tory Cuts – and persist throughout the decade: WP | Guardian
Falls Road/Glen Road – former site of the Andersonstown RUC barracks
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X05961
This is a 2010 close-up of the RIC Murder Gang mural previously discussed in 2007.
Northumberland Street, west Belfast
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X05962
“1650-2009: 350 years of occupation, 350 years of resistance. Catalan language has been spoken since VIII century. Nowadays, after 350 years of occupation and prohibition, there are 9 million Catalan speakers. The spirit of revolt against the Spanish kingdom and French state is still alive. The struggle of the Catalan people continues against the existing discriminations. Not Spain, not France.” “Saoırse na hÉıreann, Llibrtat Països Catalans”.
Clowney Street, Beechmount, west Belfast
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X05957
The “blanket” (Gaeilge: pluıd) protest (not wearing prison uniforms) was a response to the removal of political (Special Category) status in 1976 (WP). The “no wash” or “dirty” protest (not using toilet facilities) followed in 1978 (WP). Both forms of protest are illustrated in the board shown above: three unshaven men wear blankets and go barefoot in a cell with excrement smeared on the walls.
An information plaque was added below, on the Phoenix mural (not shown – see M04941).
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X05956
“Broken Irish is preferable to skilful English”, itself written in somewhat broken Irish. In each corner is a gold ring (fáınne óır), sometimes worn by fluent Irish-speakers. The top hat and the ?daisies? alongside the harp, shamrock, and ?flute? are unusual; if you can explain their appearance here, please comment or get in touch.
Iveagh Youth mural in Iveagh Drive/Céıde Uíbh Eachach
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X05949
This is a new mural by Mo Chara Kelly (with DD Walker, Michael Kelly, and Ta Heath) commemorating the deaths of five people shot by British Army snipers in 1972: Paddy Butler (39), David McCafferty (15), Margaret Gargan (13), John Dougal (16), Fr Noel Fitzpatrick (40). The snipers fired from JP Corry’s timber yard (shown on the right) and at the time the Westrock bungalows were still standing (shown lower left). “Belfast’s Bloody Sunday. On the 9th July 1972 the British Army murdered 5 Irish citizens and severely wounded 2 others. It’s time for the truth.”
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X00374
“Nothing about us without us is for us …” From the info board: “The title of this artwork reflects a slogan used internationally, where social and political change has been paramount. It is understood that such change emerges only through true and thorough consultation with the community and that is the wish of residents of Lower Shankill – to affect [sic] social change move forward through collaboration with decision makers and government at every level.This digital installation has been created by artist Lesley Cherry who has worked intensively with the Lower Shankill Community Association and members of the community to produce hundreds of positive images which reflect the need for change and consultation within that process, the ensure a better future for all.
As part of the Re-Imaging Communities Programme, led by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, this artwork replaces previous murals of The Malvern Street Arch, [and before that] The Queen Mother [probably intended is the QEII golden jubilee mural] and [before that] The Scottish Brigade [this mural was in fact three walls to the right; prior to the QEII mural was a UFF mural].”
Hopewell Crescent, west Belfast.
Update: When the upper part of the estate was redeveloped, this board was moved down to Malvern Way. A new info board was placed next to it, showing murals that had preceded it in that (Malvern Way) spot and replacing the third paragraph: “This artwork was funded by the Housing Executive, working in partnership with the Lower Shankill Community Association. The artwork replaces previous murals depicting paramilitaries and one of the Northern Ireland Coat of Arms.”
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X00346
T02569 courtesy of Paddy Duffy 2023
Joe Cahill joined the Fianna in 1937 and was involved in the republican movement from then until his death in 2004, including being in Tom Williams’s company in 1942 and later a founder member and Chief of Staff of the Provisional IRA. In the centre of the image he is at the end of the table at the August 13, 1971, press conference to comment on the introduction of internment (CAIN). He is honoured in the mural above alongside his brothers Tom and Frank Cahill. (Pat O’Hare is painted between Tom and Frank.)
In the top left are small boards with portraits of Ned Maguire Snr, Ned Maguire Jnr, Sam Holden, Dal Delaney, Rita McParland, Paddy Meenan, Paddy Corrigan, Sean Wallace, John Petticrew, Alex Crowe.
“Never will they label our liberation struggle as criminal – Bobby Sands [March 6th Diary].”
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X05939
“Julie Livingstone aged 14 yrs. Murdered by the British Army 13th May 1981.” “The Stolen Child – Come away, O human child/To the waters and the wild/With a faery hand in hand/For the world’s more full of weeping/Than you can understand! – WB Yeats.” Livingstone was killed by a plastic bullet.
There is also a stone and plaque near the spot she was struck, on the Stewartstown Road.
Glenveagh Drive, Lenadoon, west Belfast
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X05937
Seosamh Mac Coille Collection 