James Connolly

Our Struggle Continues

2022-09-132024-07-20Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

Óglach Charlie Hughes was O.C. of PIRA D Company (“the dogs”) in west Belfast. He was killed in March 1971 as part of the feud between the OIRA and the Provisionals. PIRA volunteers, including Charlie and cousin Brendan Hughes (“The Dark”), had burned down OIRA drinking den The Burning Embers, across from Charlie’s house on Balkan Street, and were moving on to The Cracked Cup on Leeson Street, but were met with gunfire. Hughes was killed later that night, after a ceasefire had been agreed, by a single shot (WP | a 2002 account by The Dark). The mural replaces the small ‘1921’ tarp (see Do Not Touch).

The other figure shown (on the right) is Palestinian skyjacker Leila Khaled (see also Oppression Breeds Resistance).

Below is James Connolly in a Lasaır Dhearg stencil: “Empires and tyranny perish. We will rise again.”

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2022 Paddy Duffy
T00866

Unrepentant Republicans

2022-09-132024-07-20Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

Here is a gallery of the republican boards along the low wall just east of the Falls garden of remembrance. From right to left: James Connolly and Seamus Costello; Divis 81; anti-PSNI; “web of corruption”; Charlie Hughes (killed in 1971 the feud with the OIRA); the Falls Curfew featuring Máıre Drumm; Billy McKee, Alec Murphy, and Brendan Hughes; the Falls Road Massacre 1920; Kieran Abram – Abram was knocked to the ground in the early hours of July 5th, 1992, and kicked to death by loyalists in running battles with nationalists on North Howard Street, near the old British Army sangar. Four people were convicted of manslaughter in the case (Judiciary NI).

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2022 Paddy Duffy
T00850 T00851 T00852 T00853 [T00854] T00855 T00856 T00857 T00858 T00859 T00860

Out Of The Ashes Of 1798

1999-01-012025-11-05Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

“I ndıl chuımhne – this plaque is dedicated to all those from the greater Newington area who lost their lives as a result of the conflict in this country.” Pikemen from the 1798 uprising stand on either side of a phoenix, with portraits above of Wolfe Tone, James Connolly, Henry Joy McCracken, and Mary Ann McCracken.

Newington Avenue, north Belfast

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 1999 Paddy Duffy
T00354c

1998-01-012025-10-31Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

This painting of James Connolly in ICA uniform is perhaps based on Harry Kernoff’s woodcut, though with a wider head and background changed to show two flag-bearers standing on a high wall.

Berwick Road/Paráıd An Ardghleanna, Ardoyne,Ard Eoın, north Belfast/tuaısceart Bhéal Feırste

Let Us Rise

1982-04-012025-07-25Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

“The great only appear great because we are on our knees – let us rise”. The quote – also used by Jim Larkin – appeared in Connolly’s article on Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee visit to Ireland. His portrait is flanked by the tricolour and the starry plough.

“Sponsored by trade union group” and painted by Digger in Beechmount Avenue, next to a copy of a Cormac cartoon.