The UVF mural in Carlingford Street, east Belfast, that the one shown here replaces was controversial at the time (2013) because of its proposed inclusion of two hooded gunmen in fatigues firing into the air. In response to the concerns expressed, the final version put both figures in WWI uniforms and had only one firing into the air – the other gazed downward in prayer – and the modern UVF was referenced only in the forms of the towers and cages of Long Kesh and of a roll of honour. (See Years Of Sacrifice for both the draft and final murals.)
The cages are retained in this new board but the depiction of violence is more explicit here than in the proposed mural a decade ago: at the centre of this piece is a hooded gunman carrying an assault rifle.
For the wider context of re-imaging and re-re-imaging (that is, the disappearance and return of PUL hooded gunmen), see Visual History 11.)
Long Kesh’s cages are also included in a Shankill board to Stevie McCrea – A True Soldier Of Ulster.
Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2024 Paddy Duffy
T04149c T04148 T05833 X14985 [X14984] courtesy of Seosamh Mac Coılle
Ulster Volunteers 1912 Ulster Covenant In memory of all friends & comrades of the cosy bar east belfast
Paddy Duffy Collection 