Resistance Is Not Terrorism

Extramural Activity2 Comments

“Resistance is not terrorism – Saoırse don Phalaıstín”. Gazan photo-journalist Motaz Azaiza (ig) visited Dublin – where he spoke at Bohemians (reddit | The Journal), Belfast – where he spoke with Clare Daly at the MAC, and Derry – where he spoke with Jamie Lee O’Donnell at the Guildhall (Derry Now). He also attended a rally at Free Derry Corner (Derry Journal | Derry Now), which has been painted with his likeness in honour of the work he has done documenting the destruction of Gaza by Israeli forces for his almost 18 million people on instagram. Fifteen of Azaiza’s relatives were killed in an air-strike on Deir al-Balah, Gaza, on October 13th, 2023 (WP).

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2024 Andy McDonagh/Eclipso Pictures (ig | Fb)
X15206 X15205 X15203 X15204 X15202

A Bird In The Hand

Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

These bird-boxes and platforms were installed by Wild Belfast (web) – a group aimed at enhancing natural habitats – in order to attract house-martins, who visit Ireland in the summer in order to breed, but whose numbers are in decline because of a loss of nesting sites (under the eaves of houses) and building materials (mud).

The boxes are in front of street art by artist Daniela Balmaverde (web) on the end of one of the stands at Cliftonville FC (BBC) – the shamrock earrings are the club’s emblem.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2024 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X15199 X15198 X15197

Dump Inside

Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

This is a 2024 revisiting of the waste-ground (an old weaving factory) at the Westlink corner of the Village, south Belfast. Compared to 2023 (see This Area Needs Social Housing), there is some UVF graffiti (some of which has been covered over with heart stickers – see also Smothered In Kisses) and many new flags, including the row overlooking the Westlink (in the tenth image) among which are the flags of Israel and Ukraine.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2024 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X15234 X15235 X15236 [X15237] X15238 X15239 X15240 X15241 X15242 X15243 X15244 X15245 X15246

Gaza Square

Extramural Activity2 Comments

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” “Stop the genocide – save Palestine.”

The South Link green-space as been renamed “Gaza Square” (see the small plaque in the wide shot, below) and the murals seen recently (at end of March) in Though An Army Besiege Me, My Heart Will Not Fear have been repainted, switching images of Israeli weapons for the images of death, suffering, and destruction seen here.

According to the Al Jazeera tracker, the Palestinian death toll is approaching 45,000, with more than 100,000 injured.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2024 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X15189 X15190 [X15192] X15191
X15269 [X15188] X15268

Broken Homes And Hearts

Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

“62 houses to be demolished in the estate – broken home + hearts”, “Defective concrete homeowners deserve equality not exclusions – 100% redress”, “House + mental health is crumbling”. The houses are crumbling because of excess mica in the concrete. For background, see 2021’s 100% Redress No Less and Think Outdoor This Summer.

On the R245 (Bridge End/Ramelton Rd) just above Ramelton, Co Donegal.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2024 Andy McDonagh/Eclipso Pictures (ig | Fb)
X15359 X15360 X15361 X15362 X15363

You Are Now Entering The European Court Of Justice

Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

The long-running extradition case against Seán Walsh – from the republic to the north – took another twist in March when the supreme court referred his case to the European Court Of Justice. Walsh is wanted on charges of New IRA membership, based on surveillance of meetings organised by MI5 agent Dennis McFadden (Herald). The point now at issue is whether a 2021 UK law on sentencing for those convicted of terrorism charges (pdf) – no early release is possible (gov.uk) – contravenes article seven of the European Convention On Human Rights.

Republicans also claim that he would be subject to maltreatment if extradited (RN).

A write-up of the arguments can be found in this Irish Times article from 2023, when the possibility of referral was first mooted by Walsh’s legal team.

The black shamrock in the centre of the wall pre-dates the Walsh graffiti – see Black Shamrock for its significance. Free Derry Corner has its own Visual History page.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2024 Andy McDonagh/Eclipso Pictures (ig | Fb)
X15163 X15164 X15165 X15166 X15162

Love The Arts

Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

Love Hearts turn 70 years old in 2024 – they were originally included in crackers for the Christmas season in 1954. Over the years, the messages on them have changed, and various specialty versions have been produced, including for Prince William’s 21st (in 2003) and a recent collaboration with YoungMinds with affirmative messages (Swizzels | WP). The messages on these “Love tHeArts” – imagined by FGB (ig) in North Street, Belfast city centre – are perhaps less “Marry me” and “Be mine” and more “Fund me” and “Follow me on Instagram”.

See also Eat To The Beat for another Swizzels sweet – the drumstick – by FGB.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2024 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X15601

Leader Of The Band

Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

Jayden Braniff passed away in August in 2023 (Fb) from neuroblastoma. He was made an honorary member of the Pride Of Ballymacash (Lisburn) flute band (Fb). He is remembered by the Pride Of Ardoyne (Fb) and the Shankill Protestant Boys (Fb) in a tarp in Lawnbrook Avenue (upper Shankill, Belfast), next to the Walter Smith/Rangers tarp (one | two) and near his father’s house (Funeral Times).

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2024 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X15150

The Shankill Arch 2024

Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

“This arch was erected in memory of Bro. William (Belter) Bell, LOL 633. It has been kindly donated by the Bell family circle. 14th June 2024”

Speeches at the launch (youtube) note that the arch was not displayed during the Troubles (News Letter (paywall) says mid-60s), and was stored on the roofs of nearby shops for the sixty years since. Businessman Ian Bell (of video gaming companies Slightly Mad (WP | Belfast Live) and Straight4) is also specified as the main sponsor of the arch’s restoration, in memory of his father, who died on June 7th, 2008.

See also: the arch in Denmark Street (lower Shankill) in 2022 and 2023.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2024 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X15143 X15137 X15138
X15135 X15142 X15141 [X15136] X15139
X15140