The association of lions with the English monarchy goes back to Henry II and his sons Richard (“the lionheart”) and John (WP). Why they were represented by lions is unclear; it perhaps stems from the prominence of lions in the Bible and the Lion Of Judah from Genesis 49:9.
These lions, somehow carrying Union Flags, are in Lord Street at Lord Street Mews, east Belfast
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Copyright © 2026 Paddy Duffy
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Here are four flags from “Ulster Carrickfergus Loyalists [Fb]” attached to the fencing at the top of Woodburn Avenue in Carrickfergus. For (limited) background on the UCL, see No Illegal Migrants.
First, “Ulster loyalist – unite and fight.” with a fiery-eyed skull (reminiscent of Eddie The Trooper).
Second, “We are united as one & united we shall remain. Never surrender.” with the flags of the “four nations” that make up the current United Kingdom.
Third, “Christ is king. Stand up to radical Islam. Islam is not a race – it’s an ideology of hate.”
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“I ❤️ Belfast”, “Love conquers all”, “Stop war”. These are works by London pair Nathan Bowen (ig | web store) and ThisIsLostBoy (ig), in Bruce Street and High Street.
See previously in Castle Street: Pledge For Positivity which contains links to more Bowen pieces.
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Copyright © 2026 Paddy Duffy
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These UVF and UDA board are on adjacent walls at the entrance to the Glen estate, Newtownards; above and directly below, a North Down UVF and graffiti, while directly above it (final image) two UDA hooded gunmen take aim at the viewer on the pavement.
Also in Glen: a UVF hooded gunman at the bottom of the estate – Neighbourhood Watch – and UDA gunmen at the top of the estate – Hope That It Will Get Better.
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Copyright © 2026 Paddy Duffy
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“Remembered with pride – Stevie McCrea, Village, south Belfast”. A plaque has been added below the large board describing Stevie McCrea’s life in Kilburn Street (seen in 2022’s Here Lies A Soldier, which includes the text on the board).
Also included below are close-ups of the plaques to McCrea and Sammy Mehaffy in Tavanagh Street, (seen together in Village UVF).
Village, south Belfast
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These placards for two local flute-bands are on light-poles in Markethill: above, the Kilcluney Volunteers flute band (Fb), below, the Markethill Protestant Boys (Fb). The crossed rifles and RIR emblem, and the graveside mourner and poppies, are WWI imagery; Markethill men joined the second battalion of the Armagh brigade of the Ulster Volunteers and (in the Great War) the ninth battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers. (See also UVF 3rd Battalion Armagh in Tandragee).
Main Street, Markethill, Co Armagh
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Copyright © 2026 Paddy Duffy
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“The loyalist community will protect its residents and homes from: thieves, paedophiles, unwanted graffiti & domestic abusers.” The list of crimes makes no reference to denomination or ethnicity, but “loyalist” and the combined Union Flag (which is incorrectly rendered) and Ulster Banner suggest that the threat comes from those who identify insufficiently with the UK.
Possible background: BBC | LCR (Fb) | BBC
Corcrain Drive, Portadown
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Copyright © 2026 Paddy Duffy
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This is the scene at the Corcrain-Redmanville bonfire (Fb) site, along Drumilly Green, where the hut has been moved to the south side of the Green, to join the Union Flag and Ulster Banner.
The 2025 bonfire topped 100 feet in height (News Letter); collecting for the 2026 pyre has yet to begin.
Westland Road, Portadown
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Copyright © 2026 Paddy Duffy
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This pair of hand-painted (and stencilled) boards is next to the Mount Inn on North Queen Street. Tiger’s Bay is loyal to the memory of “1690” and the service of the 36th Division in WWI in 1916.
Greenmount Street, Tiger’s Bay, north Belfast
On the other side of the Mount, at the bottom of the old Lewis Street, are two more hand-painted boards from 2024 – see Friends Of The Somme.
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Copyright © 2025 Paddy Duffy
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Here are two new small boards on the fence where Hawthorn Avenue and Sandes Court meet between Woodburn and Sunnylands. Above, “Remembering our fallen everyday [sic]” with images of soldiers from the World Wars and UVF emblems in the corners. Below, an Ulster Grenadiers flute band (Fb) board, similar to the large board mounted last year (2024) in St Bride’s Street – see Never Forget, Always Remember.
The main board, on the gable beyond – “Loyalist Woodburn celebrates 100th anniversary Northern Ireland” – and Captain Sir Tom Moore remain as in 2022’s entry – see Maintain The Union.
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Copyright © 2025 Paddy Duffy
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Paddy Duffy Collection 