Sick Of Covid

A six-week lockdown beginning on December 26th was approved last night by the executive, which said the current situation required an “urgent intervention” (BBC). The lockdowns are difficult for everyone, not just financially but psychologically. (See previously: Home Is Where The Hurt Is.) This Broadway graffiti suggests that the lockdowns are promoting suicides, though there do not appear to be data yet suggesting an increase in suicide during the pandemic. ‘Action 61’ appears to be a fringe protest group.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2020 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X07761 X07762

Pakis & Taigs

North Belfast is experiencing a housing shortage (Build Homes Now) which means people are willing to go the extra mile for homes, which doesn’t always go down well with the locals. The graffiti shown in today’s post appeared in mid November in the majority-PUL area of Skegoneill, near the junction with Glandore Avenue and (CNR) Ashfield. Police called the graffiti a “hate incident” (QRadio).

See The Earl’s Thorn Bush.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2020 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X07760 X07759 X07758 Queen Victoria Gardens

Plum Position

The Cupar Way “peace” line, home to graffiti-art/wild-style writing and patronising slogans from around the world, is also home to a single Troubles-related memorial plaque, to Plum Smith (one | two) of the UVF/RHC and subsequently the PUP, which thus far has resisted the artists’ can and the tourists’ Sharpie. It is not known whether the “Plum” graffiti (and previously “RIP Plum Smith”) is by locals or by a visiting writer.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2020 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X07750

Are You On The Side Of The 2020 Hunger Strikers?

Republican prisoners in Maghaberry, Portlaoise, and Hydebank [now officially Hydebank Wood] went on hunger strike in solidarity with Dr Issam Hijjawi-Bassalat, a Palestinian national residing in Edinburgh, who was arrested in the August swoop that also saw nine Saoradh members arrested in connection with the New IRA. Hijjawi attended one of the meetings set up by (MI5 agent) Dennis McFadden in July. Hijjawi went on hunger strike on September 16th in protest and his solitary confinement and was yesterday (2020-09-28) moved into the republican wing at Maghaberry and the hunger strikes ended. (IRPWAIrish News | Samidoun | Republican News)

The images in this entry show IRPWA support for the hunger strikes on Free Derry Corner.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2020 Andy McDonagh/Eclipso Pictures (ig | Fb)
X07616 X07617 X07619 X07618