England play Italy this evening in the final match of Euro “2020” (delayed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic). Bogside residents have hung out the Tricolour … of Italy … over Free Derry Corner to indicate their support; the word “Italy” is included to dispel any potential confusion with the Irish tricolour.
The match begins at 8 BST/IST = 9 CET; England are the bookies’ favourites to win.
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Copyright © 2021 Andy McDonagh/Eclipso Pictures (ig | Fb)
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The Consensus ‘Community Restorative Justice/Mediation’ programme (tw) attempts to resolve threats, disputes, and conflicts over anti-social behavior, hate crimes, interface violence, and paramilitary threats in the lower Shankill. With support from the Lower Shankill Community Association (tw) and the SAFE programme.
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Copyright © 2022 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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The Castlereagh (4th battalion) UDA memorial garden behind the Bunch Of Grapes has changed over the years from painted murals (M | X) to spray-painted boards (We Forget Them Not) and now again to tarps within red frames. As far as content is concerned, the UFF, LPA (“We forget them not – past and present”) and UYM (“They shall not grow old etc”) remain but Tim Collins – a product of re-imaging – is out (see On That Journey) and Eddie The Trooper is in. The side wall of the pub has also been employed for the first time, with more hooded gunmen (see the third image, below). Two small plaques have been added to the outsides of the memorial wall.
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Copyright © 2021 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Hallion is back with more exhortations to the people of east Belfast to exercise caution during the pandemic.
Last year’s Covid pandemic warnings from Hallion: Wash Your Hands | It Hasn’t Gone Away
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Copyright © 2021 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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There is pressure to remove the Tiger’s Bay bonfire in Adam Street because it is built on Department Of Infrastructure land next to the Duncairn Gardens “peace” line and has been the site of anti-social behaviour such as golf balls being hit into the New Lodge (Irish News | BelTel). In response comes the message: “Move at your own risk – FTPSNI”.
A bonfire on the Comber Greenway (next to the Stranger Kings murals) was removed late Saturday night (BelTel | Belfast Live).
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Copyright © 2021 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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A loan of 1,000 pounds from the Ulster Bank will be changed interest at 24.9%, while the rate for 10,000 pounds is 3.4% (Loan Calculator). Commentary on the price of money in the old Beresford Street, just off the Shankill (next to Mussen Cortège).
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Copyright © 2021 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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On June 22nd, 1921, the parliament of Northern Ireland was opened by George V at Belfast’s City Hall. In his address to the assembled dignitaries, he said “I have … come in person, as the head of the Empire, to inaugurate this parliament on Irish soil. I inaugurate it with deep felt hope and I feel assured that you will do your utmost to make it an instrument of happiness and good government for all parts of the community which you represent. This is a great and critical occasion in the history of the Six Counties … I pray that My coming to Ireland to-day may prove to be the first step towards an end of strife amongst [Ireland’s] people, whatever their race or creed.” “Partition has failed” to answer his prayer.
Above: the latest message on Slıabh Dubh; below: the mountain from the bonfire pallets collected on the Highfield estate.
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Copyright © 2021 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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The lion (England) and the unicorn (Scotland) … and the Scottie dog … heraldic supporters of the United Kingdom’s and Northern Ireland’s coat of arms, in this the centenary year of the state. “Home is where someone runs to greet you.”
See previously: 100 Years | Happy Birthday, Northern Ireland | The Centenary Of Oppression
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Copyright © 2021 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Dan Kitchener (web) added a side wall to his large mural in Enfield Street in the Woodvale. According to the man himself, the scene is Tokyo rather than Soho.
For the large piece, see Night Taxi. Also by DanK on the lower Shankill: The Greater Shankill.
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Copyright © 2021 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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“#ItsOKToTalk” “This art project was completed as part of Alternative – Safer Areas For Everyone (SAFE) project. The young people involved identified mental health as the theme for their art project and incorporated positive mental health messages & support numbers to highlight the issue. The group also identified the “Steps” area as the location for the art work, to help brighten up the area which had become unsightly, neglected and a focus for anti-social behaviour. This project also engaged with the residents through door to door surveys, provided information leaflets on support services and organised community clean ups to help improve community pride & spirit in the area. Special thanks to Jamie, Dylan, Kyle, Corey and Mason who showed positive leadership in their community, to street artist Emic & Sam from Signlink for the art work & graphics and to the local residents and young people who were involved in the clean ups. SAFE Shankill is supported by the The Executive Office through Communities In Transition programme.”
For the steps, see Steps To Mental Health
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Copyright © 2021 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Seosamh Mac Coille Collection 