UDA/UFF/UYM

Stevie McKeag

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“In loving memory of military commander Stevie ‘Top Gun’ McKeag, born 1970, died 2000. Sleeping where no shadows fall.” The plaques and the photograph in the centre are new (see previously 2007).

McKeag was the top assassin in the UDA during the 1990s, claiming at least 12 victims. Both his WP page and this Guardian article describe his career and his – sometimes contentious – preeminent standing within the UDA.

The upper plaque reads “This mural is dedicated to the memory of Stevie (Top Gun) McKeag from the officers & members of C Company 2nd Battalion UFF. Gone but not forgotten. Quis separabit.” The lower plaque reads “In loving memory of our big brother Steven McKeag from Jackie, Mary & Melissa. Simply the best.”

Hopewell Crescent, lower Shankill, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2008 Paddy Duffy
T00458 [T00459]

In Loving Memory

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“In loving memory South Belfast Brigadier John McMichael, South Belfast UFF commander Joe Bratty.” Listed on the tombstones are Steven Audley 17 Mar 91, Harry Black 30 Sep 92, Jim Kenna 25 Jul 72, Frankie Smith 31 Jan 73, William Kingsberry 13 Nov 91, Stephen Kingsberry 10 Mar 97, Ernie Dowds 10 Oct 95, Sammy Hunt 5 Sep 76, Raymie Elder 31 Jul 94, William Hamilton 9 Sep 94, Tommy Morgan 29 Aug 94.

Lemberg Street, south Belfast, replacing the volunteers in tracksuits.

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Copyright © 2001 Paddy Duffy
T00790

Village Eddie

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A Visual History page details the various appearances of Eddie The Head in his guise as a Red Coat soldier-cum-UDA volunteers. In this Village Eddie, he carries an assault rifle and wears a UDA skull-cap, but, as in the Iron Maiden album cover, is trailed by the Grim Reaper. For the “reaper come to call” verse added to the right, see M02487.

“Village, Donegall Rd, Ormeau Rd, Roden St, Lisburn Rd, Sandy Row” – South Belfast A battalion

Tavanagh Street, Village, Belfast

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Copyright © 2001 Paddy Duffy
T00639

Village UDA

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“Death is not an honour but a sacrafice [sic] and those who gave that sacrafice [sic] are remembered by those who follow. All gave some, some gave all. Quis separabit.” Village UDA C company volunteers in balaclava pose with assault rifles around an Ulster Banner in the shape of Northern Ireland.

Rockview Street, south Belfast

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Copyright © 2001 Paddy Duffy (no date given)
T00789

Michael Stone

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The UDA’s Michael Stone killed three mourners at the funerals of the Gibraltar 3 in Milltown Cemetery in 1988 (16th March). UDA commanders denied that member Michael Stone was acting with their knowledge or approval. This east Belfast mural perhaps is a celebration of his release, under the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, on July 24th, 2000. “His only crime was loyalty.”

The panel on the right reads, “The cold grey mists shall never set on Ulster’s fields/The Victor’s cup shall not be raised unless we yield/Our fighting men shall not retreat or bend the knee/Untill [sic] the day imprisoned souls are all set free.”

Templemore Avenue, Belfast

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Copyright © 2001 Paddy Duffy
T00637

Cecil McKnight

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Cecil McKnight was a UDA/UFF volunteer, Orange Order member, and chairman of the UDP (Ulster Democratic Party) when he was shot dead at his home in Melrose Terrace by the IRA on June 29th, 1991. He is shown standing in front of a mural in the adjacent Ebrington Terrace circa 1990. 

Emerson Street, Waterside, Londonderry

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Copyright © 2001 Paddy Duffy
T00333 T00331

Tiger’s Bay

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“UFF 3rd battalion, E company.” “Welcome to loyalist Tiger’s Bay.”

The tiger was used in a 1988 mural in Hogarth Street/Adam Street without any mention of a flute band or paramilitary gang. The tiger here is flanked by two UDA/UFF gunmen in balaclavas and bomber jackets.

Cultra Street, north Belfast

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Copyright © 2000 Paddy Duffy
T00447