City/Town

Drumcree

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These are 2008 images of the Drumcree mural in the lower Shankill estate, seen previously in 2004. The mural would be “re-imaged” in 2009.

“Here we stand, we can do no other” adapts Luther’s saying at Worms to the standoff in Portadown between the Orange Order and Catholics on the Garvaghy Road, which links the church at Drumcree (shown in the mural) with the town centre.

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Copyright © 2008 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Indigenous Ulster People

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The mythological hero Cuchulainn, defender of Ulster against the forces of Queen Medb of Connacht, is placed below the flag of Northern Ireland. “Here we stand, here we remain. We simply want to take our God ordained place as indigenous Ulster people, understanding and living out our calling. We assume our identity without shame, retaliation or indignation against those who have caused harm to our past and tried to castrate our culture, our identity and our place on this island.”

Cú Chulaınn has his own Visual History page. This is the most active depiction of the hero; he is usually depicted in his death throes.

Shankill Parade, lower Shankill, west Belfast.

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Copyright © 2008 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Can It Change?

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“This mural portrays Protestant men defending their community which was subjected to constant attempts of ethnic cleansing with petrol bombing attacks of their homes on a day to day basis. Eventually vigillanty [sic] groups were formed to secure these areas.” “Several hundred familys [sic] were forced to flee their homes last night as homes came under attack from republicans. The number homeless is running into several thousand, more people were moving out of riot areas today. The women and children have been offered shelter in cities across the sea. Security forces moved in to bring calm into riot areas.” The event referred to is the rioting in Bombay Street in 1969.

Hopewell Crescent, lower Shankill, west Belfast

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Stevie McKeag

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“In loving memory of military commander Stevie ‘Top Gun’ McKeag – sleeping where no shadows fall. Born 1970, died 2000.” McKeag’s portrait (now a head-and-shoulders shot rather than just the face – see M03803) is on a board at the centre of a mural of flags – UFF, Ulster Banner, St Andrew’s Saltire, and UDA .

A previous McKeag mural (on Shankill Parade) had been re-imaged in 2004 (into a Cuchulainn mural). This one was painted in 2006 across the green in Hopewell Crescent.

Hopwell Crescent, lower Shankill estate, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2008 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Gibraltar

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Sean Savage, Maıréad Farrell, and Dan McCann were “Executed by the British SAS 6th March 1988.”

“Oh! Cold March winds that pierce the dark/You cry in aged tones/For souls of folk you’ve brought to God/But still you bear the moans//Oh! Weeping winds, this lonely night/My mother’s heart is sore/Oh! Lord of all, breathe freedom’s breath/That she may weep no more! – Bobby Sands Weeping Winds“

Replaces the painted board seen in 2001.

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Copyright © 2008 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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