Belfast

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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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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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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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Families Against Supergrass Trials

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Families Against Supergrass Trials was formed to protest the first supergrass trial in 26 years (after the system collapsed during the trial), to begin on September 8th, related to the killing of Tommy English (Belfast Telegraph | BBC | BBC). The banner above is in Donegall Pass, the one below is on the Mount Vernon flats. There was another in Newtownards Road (Irish News). (And in 2012, one in Spier’s Place/Shankill Rd.)

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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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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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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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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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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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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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Copyright © 2011 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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