“Pill pushers are killing our youth! INLA” in Creggan, Derry. Drugs offences were up 54% in the Derry & Strabane council area (Derry Journal). Previously: RAAD graffiti in Foyle Hill.
“In memory of Vol Colm McNutt Derry Brigade INLA. On 12th December 1977 18 years old Colm McNutt was killed by an undercover British Army unit in William Street. In lived in Balbane Pass and was a popular young lad around the Creggan estate. He witnessed occupation and injustice and as a result joined the resistance movement, paying ultimately with his young life.” This large board was launched in December 2017 on the fortieth anniversary of McNutt’s death.
Republican prisoner Tony Taylor was released yesterday (November 28th) after 933 days in prison (BBC-NI | BelTel); for Taylor’s history in and out of prison, see Free Tony Taylor. As a result, two of the boards at the junction of William Street and Chamberlain Street will be out of date (see the wide shot, below).
In the image above, Taylor’s case is joined by that of Luke O’Neill. O’Neill is charged with attempting to kill police officers and fears for his safety in a mixed unit of Maghaberry, separated from republican prisoners in Roe House (Bel Tel).
The other board (second image, below) is for Saoradh’s youth organisation, Éıstıgí. The Facebook page does not appear to be publicly visible; there is a page for Junior McDaid House in which both Saoradh (tw) and Éıstıgí have offices.
The IRSP last month (September, 2018) launched a campaign on Facebook, youtube, and twitter to poll various districts on the question of a border poll. “Unity referendum now! British occupation has been a disaster for the people of Ireland. A united Ireland is the way forward for all the people of Ireland.” The one above is on the fence around the North Queen Street play park; the one below (“88% of Divis people”) is below Divis tower.
“In memory of our fallen INLA volunteers, upper Springfield area: Hugh Ferguson, Ronnie Bunting, Noel Little, Hugh O’Neill, Micky Kearney, John McColgan, Paddy “Paddybo” Campbell. Comrades: Barry “Baz” McMullan, Sean “Shanto” fleming, Harry O’Hara, Paul Collins, Bernado Brownlee, Emmanuel Kelly, Michael Conlon, Billy Lynch, James “Harpo” Murray, John Kennaway. Saoırse go deo [freedom forever].” Ferguson was the first member of the INLA to die, in 1975 in the feud with the OIRA. Bunting and Little/Lyttle (both Protestants) were shot dead in 1980 in Bunting’s Andersonstown home by masked gunmen from the UDA or SAS with RUC complicity.
The International Wall on Divis Street draws coach-loads of tourists every day (“tens of thousands” according to Sinn Féin’s Fra McCann). A new IRSP board affixed to the top of the ‘magic lantern’ mural (see Spreading The Word) warns visitors to take precautions. “Community notice: thieves are operating in this area. Please make sure your valuables are secure and out of sight. Respect our community and visitors. Cease this activity!” Here are articles about the Divis Hoods Liberation Army (DHLA) from 2017 and 2016.
Seamus Costello fought for the IRA during the Border Campaign and was interned in the Curragh for two years. He stayed with the Officials during the split, but was driven out in 1974 and formed the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) and the INLA. He was shot in 1977. (WP)
“Hungerstrike & North West Volunteers Commemoration. 1:30 pm Sunday 21st May, Rosemount Factory, Derry.” The march will go from Rosemount to City Cemetery (Derry Journal).
Here are three pieces of republican graffiti from Creggan, in various states of legibility: “Join IRA now!!!”, “End political policing now. INLA”, and “Hood’s [sic] will be shot”.