The skull and crossbones was the emblem of the Ballymacash Young Conquerors flute band in Lisburn, and it is still used by members of the new band, the Pride Of Ballymacash (Fb).
For close-ups of the bonfire in the background of the second image, see Ballymacash Bonfire.
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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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A “hard Brexit” would involve the UK leaving the European Union and the European Economic Area. For Northern Ireland, that would mean (at least) customs checks at the border with the Republic. Politicians on all sides are concerned about what that might mean for the peace, but the split is encouraged by the board above on the “sports zone” next to the Mount Inn on North Queen Street, Belfast. The Navy and RAF ensigns perhaps suggest how the UK’s borders are to be secured.
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Here is another TLO (web) piece commenting on the use of tyres in 11th Night bonfires. King William Of Orange (original here) is shown in a gas mask with a chain of tyres around his neck.
Previously: Tyred Of Your Culture, and from last year, Good Year For A Bonfire.
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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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“This is what a so called united Ireland would look like” – attacks on pro-Israeli murals in interface areas (in this case, Beverley Street, between the Shankill and the Falls.) This is the latest attack on the Patterson mural just off Northumberland Street (the Battle Of Britain mural was also damaged – Irish News). The mural was previously defaced, also by burning, in June 2016 (not 2017 as on the mural) – see Where Is The Reconciliation? – and graffitied in March 2017 (BBC-NI). The title of the post is part of the line at the bottom, from Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the burial of Patterson’s ashes in 2014.
For the original posts on the mural, see Godfather Of The Israeli Army and Operation Lion.
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This graffiti in the city centre in one go describes both the state of things and the alleged culprits.
See also Lost Duppy from 2016. And Don’t Be DUPed from 2014 in the Peter Moloney Collection.
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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Here’s a house in Kilburn Street, south Belfast, bedecked in loyalist flags: a Union flag in the door, a 36th (Ulster) Division centenary flag upstairs, a Lord Carson Memorial (Sandy Row, LOL 1050 | tw) flag, and a stand of small flags in the downstairs window.
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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Here are the two low walls along Freedom Corner in east Belfast. Above, “The Ulster conflict is about nationality – this we shall maintain” using flags as identifiers: the Ulster banner for Northern Ireland, the St George Cross for England, the Union Flag for the UK, St Andrew’s Saltire for Scotland, and Baner Cymru for Wales. The previous version used flowers and the red hand – see Daffodil Nation.
Below, “Loyalist east Belfast” between the Ulster Banner and Union Flag.
From left to right: For Freedom Alone | As Long As 100 Of Us Remain Alive | Loyalist East Belfast | The Strangest Victory In All History | Ulster’s Past Defenders | Nationality is included in Loyalist East Belfast | Ulster’s Present Defenders | Freedom Corner
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There’s one month to go before 11th night bonfires (and parades on the 12th) and collection of pallets is well under way in loyalist areas. TLO (web) is back this year protesting the use of tyres on bonfires, with King Billy and horse crushed beneath a pile tyres. Under the ‘bonfire management programme’ communities receive funds only if their pyres do not contain tyres. The Irish News reports that 72 groups have signed up this year, down from 95 in 2015. 40% of Belfast fires are in the scheme (BelTel).
Below is one of last year’s posters – still visible – partly covered with a pride sticker (see Good Year For A Bonfire and below that Lost Duppy).
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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Posters on a drainpipe on the Falls Road next to Gerry Carroll’s constituency office: “Keep Stormont closed. Smash Stormont – It can’t be made more equal, less corrupt or used to promote socialism. Close it now! Sign the petition … Published by Socialist Democracy.”
With “Saol trí Ghaeilge [atá uainn]” below [We want life using Irish].
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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The Ulster Reform Club (web) opened in 1885 and has resided at 4 Royal Avenue, Belfast since then. The mosaic is of the emblem of the club; it includes the flag of Ulster (red hand on a cross with yellow background) with a three-in-one shamrock (Ireland), rose (England), and thistle (Scotland) in the top-left quadrant
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Copyright © 2018 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Seosamh Mac Coille Collection 