physical force

You Know Where

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This is a photograph of the outer fences of “you know where” – Long Kesh/the H Blocks/Her Majesty’s Prison Maze.

Whatever you say, say nothing
When you talk about you-know-what.
For if you-know-who could hear you
You know what you’d get –
They’d take you off to you-know-where

– Colum Sands “Whatever You Say, Say Nothing”


(Makem & Clancy also do a version)

Colum Sands’s song (1981) is pre-dated by Seamus Heaney’s 1975 poem of the same name, from the collection North.
“This morning from a dewy motorway
I saw the new camp for the internees …”

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Copyright © 2005 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Support The Prisoner

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In 2004 neither the first nor the last spots on the International Wall had been formally painted. The last spot, shown here, contained a variety of pieces (which can be seen in close-up at Peter Moloney’s site): a Fıanna Éıreann recruitment board (with internet address!); an IRPWA board calling for political status; “Support the prisoner”, formerly “Support the prisoner candidate” Tommy Crossan; an ETA mural; a mural in support of the Turkish hunger strikers.

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Copyright © 2004 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Recycle Centre/Civic Amenity

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More graffiti referencing Johnny Adair: “J-Adair his only crime killed a young handicap Protestant lad”. The “lad” in question was Noel Cardwell, who had a mental age of 12. His crime was to tell the RUC the names of two men who had spiked his drink; they were UDA and friends of Adair. He was beaten and shot in the head (Sunday Mirror). Adair denied involvement and was not charged with the killing when arrested on charges of directing terrorism.

Huss Row, lower Shankill, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2004 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Easter Lilies

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Easter lilies, starry plough (WP), Irish tricolour, black beret and gloves, commemorating dead IRA volunteers from the third battalion of the Belfast brigade.

The plaque on the stone in the corner thanks local residents for their contribution to the struggle. There’s a close-up of the stone in Peter Moloney’s collection (M02420).

“This mural is dedicated to the memory of those local republican activists [34 portraits of volunteers from “A, D, F foıreannacha, cathlann 3rú, Brıogáıd mBéal Feırste”] who devoted their lives to the cause of Irish freedom. Ar son na c[ú]ıse. Óglaıgh na hÉıreann. Unveiled by Sınn Féın councillors Martin Meehan and Margaret McClenaghan.”

“Many suffer so that some day future generations may live in justice and peace – Bobby Sands MP.”

“Dedicated to those friends and neighbours from Ardoyne, the Bone and Ligoniel whose contribution and support to our struggle was and remains invaluable. Aıthníonn muıd a gcrógacht. Óglaıgh na hÉıreann. Meán Fómhaır 2003.”

Ardoyne Avenue, north Belfast

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Copyright © 2004 Cathal Woods
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The Real Pimps

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A twofer here, as we get graffiti next to the mural decrying Sinn Féin on Shankill Parade. “J[ohnny] Adair, T[homas] Beresford – the real pimps.” For UDA C Coy pimping, see Free Library, but why Adair and Beresford are the real pimps is unknown. See the Visual History page on the Adair-Era Murals for background on Adair; see this BelTel article for information about the feud.)

Here’s a shot of the wider scene, from the Boundary Street side, with more graffiti about Johnny Adair: “Pimp Adair, bring it on. Jan 05.” “Jan 05” is a reference to Adair’s forthcoming release from prison.

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Copyright © 2004 Cathal Woods
X00047 X00071 this is the sinn fein commitment to the peace process, guns from florida ireland, castlereagh break in, training farc rebels, stormont spy ring, the real pimps, pimp adair, bring it on, jan 5, c coy, est 2nd batt. uff, simply the best

Stevie McKeag

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“In proud and loving memory of Stevie ‘Top Gun’ McKeag, born 1970, died 2000, military commander, C coy, 2nd Batt, UFF. Sleeping where no shadows fall.” “Ulster Freedom Fighters – This mural is dedicated to memory of Stevie ‘Top Gun’ McKeag (WP).”

Hopewell Crescent, lower Shankill estate, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2004 Cathal Woods
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