Belfast

Patrick Rooney

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“Murdered by RUC”. Nine-year-old Patrick Rooney was the first child to be killed during the Troubles, when he was hit by a bullet from a Browning machine-gun mounted on an RUC whippet (Shorland armoured car – see a picture at the Police Ombudsman’s report) on the night of August 14-15, 1969, hours before the British Army arrived in Northern Ireland in reponse to the Battle Of The Bogside (Derry). (Irish Times | BBC)

RTÉ has footage of Rooney’s funeral.

The board was unveiled in November by the RNU (Fb), replacing the Rook O’Prey board. There is a plaque to Rooney and Hugh McCabe, who died the same night, on the remaining flat, Divis tower (M02005).

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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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Ignite Tradition

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“A taste of tradition: Whiterock flute band. Est. 1962. West Belfast, Northern Ireland. New Barnsley, Moyard, Springmartin, Woodvale, Whiterock, Springfield, Highfield, Shankill.” The Whiterock Flute Band board at the top of the Shankill has been updated to reflect the changing of the monarch – the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of Charles III – and also to mark the band’s 60th anniversary in 2022.

The memorial to Elizabeth on the left-hand side replaces the memorial to Alex Thompson (seen in 2021) which had been appended to the 50th anniversary board (A Taste Of Tradition). Thompson is included at the top of the next column, “recognition of loyal service”. The columns on either side of the emblem show photographs from the various deacdes, including the 50th anniversary celebrations. Above the doorways are the names of “members past and present” above drawings by local children of “my favourite image” and a link for the band’s music.

“Embrace the past. Ignite tradition. Inspire the future.” Whiterock Flute Band appear to have fallen under the influence of a public-relations consultant.

November 21st:

September 18th, 2022:

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community cohesion with local children

Up The Cregagh

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If you’re riding Shank’s mare, the combined length of the Cregagh and Woodstock roads is two miles; where they meet (opposite Ravenhill Avenue) you’ll find this new street-art by Zippy (ig) with support from Decowell Restoration (web), Bethany Fruit (web) and Astrl Fibres (ig), and funding from Belfast City Council).

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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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Beırıgí Bua

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“I measc laochra na nGael go raıbh sıad.” Profiles of Patricia Black, Frankie Ryan, Michael Ferguson, and Sean Keenan were added in late 2021 (video of launch) to the pair of existing monuments that memorialise them in Colin/Poleglass (for which see The Undauntable Thought on Peter’s site).

Black and Ryan were IRA volunteers killed by in a premature bomb explosion near London (An Phoblacht).

Michael Ferguson and Seán Keenan were activists and Sınn Féın councillors. Both died in 2006 of cancer (Irish Times | Bel Tel).

On Pantridge Road, which runs down to Michael Ferguson roundabout (An Phoblacht).

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Defending Our Traditions

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This is the new Vanguard Bears (web) board at the Ulster Rangers Supporters’ Club on the Shankill Road. It replaces the board that celebrated the 55th championships of Rangers and Linfield. In the close-up above of the left-hand side, below King Charles III and formed into the numeral 66, are the names of the fans who were crushed to death as they left Ibrox after the Old Firm derby on January 2nd, 1971 (WP).

There used to be a Vanguard Bears board in Sugarfield Street, on the other side of the Shankill Road – see The Boys In Blue – and another is still in place in Barrington Street (Sandy Row) – see Follow, Follow.

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Copyright © 2024 Paddy Duffy
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The Musicians

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Here are images of the ever-growing – so far a dozen strong – band of musicians by Ciaran Gallagher (ig) in the courtyard of the Dark Horse.

Above the doorway are the Rapparees (ig), who play in the Duke Of York on Sundays.

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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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Nilüfer At cello, Juram dobro, Ursula Burns harp, fiddle, Nicky Larkin accordion
guitar, Ray bodhrán, tin whistle, mandolin, Buzz uileann pipes, singer
piano, maracas, bazouki, ukulele, tin whistle, bongo

When You Have To Go

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If you act the bollix at the Dark Horse or Duke Of York, one of the bouncers in black might let you know that you have to go. No one is exceptional – above (and on the far right of the piece as a whole), owner Willie Jack (and his MBE medal – Independent) are sent flying. The large piece showing actual bouncers (Belfast Live) is by Ciaran Gallagher (web), adding to his many installations in the courtyard of the Dark Horse – see The Undertones for links.

Below are three humorous signs for the crapper/toilets/bogs – for when you have to go.

For the musicians, see The Musicians.

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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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Melange

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Here is a deliberately varied bouquet of flowers by emic (web), reflecting the support for this piece from Arts Ekta (web), sponsors of Belfast Mela.

In Larkstone Street, south Belfast, on the side wall of LNV Home (web). Official title, “The Garaden”.

See also by emic in south Belfast: Cherry blossoms | Map Heads

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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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Harvest Season

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Here are the six pieces on the Artcetera side of the alley off Rosemary Street in Belfast’s city centre, painted for the Celebrating Autumn jam last weekend. From left to right/top to bottom: A psychedelic fox by SillyMe (ig), ‘On The Pig’s Back’ by Magdalena Karol (ig), an almost-finished chestnut season by Ana Fish (ig), a mushroom resting-place by Aoife Laverty (ig), a woman with ram’s horns by Ciarah (ig), and ‘Fómhar’ [Harvest Season] by Laidback (ig).

For the other side of the alley, see The Only Constant Is Change.

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Copyright © 2023 Paddy Duffy
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