The saying “You’re never too old to set another goal or dream another dream” is attributed to east Belfast-bred C.S. Lewis — shown here on the right — though we are unable to find any record of him saying or writing these words; instead it might be be a motivational speaker called Les Brown. In the rest of the poster, young people play in the grounds of Queen’s University and Belfast City Hall.
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Copyright © 2024 Paddy Duffy
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Sinn Féın leaders Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill intend to travel to the USA for St Patrick’s Day, despite US support for Israel in its sustained attack on Gaza (Indo). The SDLP has said that it will not travel to the White House (Bel Tel). Sinn Féın say they will use the trip to promote business opportunities in Northern Ireland. The Taoıseach will also be in DC, while the Tánaıste will be in Vancouver (Breaking News).
These posters are in west and south Belfast, from https://socialistdemocracy.org/ and the Socialist Party (NI) (web).
“No handshakes from Stormont for Genocide Joe. Take action against genocide in Gaza. Boycott the White House. Expel the Israeli ambassador.”
“Don’t look away. 30,000 people have been killed in Gaza. End the genocide.”
“Boycott genocide Joe. No greenwash at the White House. Leo/Mıcheál/Mary Lou stay away from St Patrick’s Day celebrations! Solidarity with Palestine.”
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Copyright © 2024 Paddy Duffy
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Martin Meehan joined the IRA in 1966 and was one of a few IRA volunteers defending Catholics in Ardoyne (Ard Eoın) in August 1969. Rioting did not cease there until the 16th, when British troops were finally deployed to the Crumlin Road to block mobs coming from the Woodvale and Shankill. Meehan resigned after the failure of the IRA to defend Ardoyne, Clonard, and Divis. This Magill article from the time summarises the IRA’s actions as “late, amateur and uncertain”. (Meehan would later rejoin the IRA and PIRA.)
For a close-up of the plaque, see Show Me The Man.
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Copyright © 2024 Paddy Duffy
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Five steps to mental health – give, connect, be active, take notice, keep learning – and affirmations to live by, such as “This is me”, “You’re a superstar”, “I am what I am”, and “Simply the best“. Part of the Shankill SAFE (Safer Areas For Everyone) project in the Woodvale, with support from Alternatives and the Communities In Transition programme.
From the info board: “#ItsOKToTalk” “This art project was completed as part of Alternative – Safer Areas For Everyone (SAFE) project. The young people involved identified mental health as the theme for their art project and incorporated positive mental health messages & support numbers to highlight the issue. The group also identified the “Steps” area as the location for the art work, to help brighten up the area which had become unsightly, neglected and a focus for anti-social behaviour. This project also engaged with the residents through door to door surveys, provided information leaflets on support services and organised community clean ups to help improve community pride & spirit in the area. Special thanks to Jamie, Dylan, Kyle, Corey and Mason who showed positive leadership in their community, to street artist Emic & Sam from Signlink for the art work & graphics and to the local residents and young people who were involved in the clean ups. SAFE Shankill is supported by the The Executive Office through Communities In Transition programme.”
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Copyright © 2024 Paddy Duffy
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“The Reds” are Belfast soccer team Cliftonville FC. Although the team and their fans are “The Pride Of North Belfast”, this poster is on an electrical box on the Springfield Road, west Belfast.
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Copyright © 2024 Paddy Duffy
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Geometrical work by Rob Hilken (web). This is an awkward one to photograph, being in an alley between a hamburger restaurant and an insurance broker’s on the Belmont Road, east Belfast.
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Copyright © 2024 Paddy Duffy
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This is one of five pieces by digital artist Saïd Hassan (ig) that is being painted on the International Wall as part of the Painting For Palestine (Fb) project. It shows a family of refugees living in a tent; the female adult is cooking over an open flame while three children look on.
This is the last (right-most) of the 12 murals.
The image above is from February 18th. Most of the mural was painted quickly but then it sat for many days without two of the faces and an unfinished patch on the right. This image (below) was taken on January 24th:
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Copyright © 2024 Paddy Duffy
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This is a poster by English artist JoLA (ig), who specialises in magpies. This one has pilfered a string of pearls. “I fucking love this place.”
Union Street, Belfast
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Copyright © 2024 Paddy Duffy
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This face is by Birmingham graffiti artist Fum.Armada (ig), in Union Street, Belfast. There is another from North Street in the Extramural Activity collection.
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Copyright © 2024 Paddy Duffy
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Street art on corrugated metal panelling in the waste-ground on Union Street, Belfast city centre.
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Copyright © 2024 Paddy Duffy
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Paddy Duffy Collection 