St Andrew’s Saltire – Page 3 – Paddy Duffy Collection

HM Queen Elizabeth II

2012-07-312026-08-05Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

“HM Queen Elizabeth II 1952-2012”. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor acceded to the throne of the United Kingdom in 1952 (she was crowned in 1953). 2002 was her golden jubilee year. (See also Long To Reign Over Us.) The ‘sponsorship’ box read “This mural was commissioned by 1st batt A coy South East Antrim UDA UFF UYM.” but has been whited out and would later be painted over in black. It is undamaged in J1444.

Owenreagh Dr, Rathcoole, Newtownabbey

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2011/2012 Paddy Duffy
T00654 [T00655]

Tiger’s Bay First Flute

2008-01-012026-08-03Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

Tiger’s Bay First Flute, “Est 1983”. The emblem is in the style of the UDA emblem, and UDA members are listed on the side wall. For two of those listed, see Bacon and Baird. T[ommy] English was killed by the UVF in 2000.

Hogarth Street, Tiger’s Bay, north Belfast

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2008 Paddy Duffy
T00615

4,000 Years Of Ulster Scots

2000-01-012025-11-10Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

“4,000 years of Ulster-Scots history and heritage. Ulster & Scotland – shared language, shared literature, shared culture.” 400 years takes us back to the plantation; 4,000 years suggests an even deeper connection.

Ulster-Scots was included in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement (pdf) under the principle of support for “linguistic diversity”. This mural celebrating Ulster-Scots and ties between Northern Ireland and Scotland dates to 1999, with the crests of St Andrew and St Patrick on the left, and an Ulster Banner and Scottish lion rampant on the right.

“Dinnae houl yer wheest, houl yer ain!” [Don’t hold your tongue, hold your own!]

Templemore Street, east Belfast

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2000 Paddy Duffy
T00448 [T00449]

Red Hand Commando A Company

1998-07-012025-10-23Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

“Red Hand Commando A Company Shankill”. The plaque unfortunately cannot be read.

There was previously a board above the flag-pole holder, showing the same emblem but with “Scottish Brigade” instead of “Red Hand Commando”, against a St Andrew’s Saltire (D00029).

Glenwood Street, west Belfast

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 1998 Paddy Duffy
T00261

Release Our Prisoners

1998-01-012025-10-23Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

The scroll on the left between the emblems of the UDA, UYM, UFF and the Ulster banner reads, “In memory of our freedom fighters who fought and died for Ulster. It was not for glory they fought nor honour or riches but freedom alone which no good man should lose but with his life.” There is a pair of manacled red fists above the central UFF emblem, which itself rests on a free-floating outline of Northern Ireland superimposed with the Ulster banner. On the right is a crouching volunteer from A battalion, from south Belfast’s Sandy Row.

Linfield Road, south Belfast

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 1998 Paddy Duffy
T00247

No 5 Platoon

1996-09-012025-10-07Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

“No 5 platoon, A company, 1st battalion, Shankill, west Belfast”. Hooded gunmen crouch in front of a St Andrew’s Saltire and an Ulster Banner, with a UVF flag on top.

A plaque “in memory of a true soldier, Big Bill Campbell” was later added (see the Peter Moloney Collection).

Northland Street, west Belfast

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 1996 Paddy Duffy
T00214

Gertrude Star Flute Band

1996-01-012025-09-22Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

“Gertrude Star flute band [Fb], east Belfast, est. 1961.” This mural, created in “1993” (left), is probably being repaired after after being paint-bombed – see the white paint dripping down on the St Andrew’s Saltire. The interior of the “Northern Island” and Spike the bulldog’s badge have yet to be restored. For the mural in full health, see D00394.

Martin Street, east Belfast

George Seawright

1994-01-012025-09-18Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

“Murdered by the enemies of Ulster Nov 1987. “Be thou faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life” – Revelation 2 V.10″

Controversial DUP and later independent politician and preacher George Seawright served as city councillor and NI Assembly member from 1981 to 1986, when he was jailed for his role in physically attacking NI Secretary of State Tom King. The “enemies of Ulster” in this case are the IPLO.

Side-wall: “In remembrance of all those who have given their lives and their freedom in the struggle to keep Ulster Protestant.”

Pride Of Windsor

1990-07-012025-09-16Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

Pride Of Windsor was formed from members of the Donegall Road Protestant Boys (Belfast Forum). It’s not clear how long the band lasted after being formed in 1989 and this mural in 1990. The mural features Carrickfergus castle between St Andrew’s Saltire and Union Flag. “Audaces fortuna juvat” [fortune favours the bold] is the motto of Linfield FC.

Lisburn Road, south Belfast

UDA A Battalion South Belfast

1990-07-012025-08-30Extramural ActivityLeave a comment

The mural at the corner of Roden Street and Donegall Road was repainted annually in 1989, 1990, and 1991. The first (see the image from 1988) lacked the McMichael memorial seen here and the white background only went half-way up the wall; the second completed the background, added LPA and UDF emblems and “In memory of John McMichael” in text (see C00525). This third iteration places the McMichael memorial and the attendant graveside mourners on a bed of grass.