physical force

Bernadette

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The second mural by the Bogside Artists (after The Petrol Bomber – Visual History) also depicts the battle of the Bogside and features Bernadette Devlin (later McAliskey). Devlin was elected to the British parliament in 1969 at age 21 and was imprisoned in December for her role in the August uprising. The mural reproduces a classic photograph showing Devlin with a megaphone in front of protesters and Free Derry Corner. It replaces another ‘Battle of the Bogside’ mural. The Bogside Artists explain the mural and its history in this short video.

Lecky Road, Derry

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Copyright © 2001 Paddy Duffy
T00355

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

Waterside UVF

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“Ulster’s finest – Londonderry UVF 1st battalion, C company”. Here is a trio of loyalist boards in Dennet Gardens, Londonderry with the insignia of the Young Citizen Volunteers, the Ulster Volunteer Force, and the Red Hand Commandos. The design of a garland of flowers containing a regimental insignia dates to the Ulster Volunteers of 1912; the masked volunteers standing to attention do not.

Dennet Gardens, Londonderry

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Copyright © 2001 Paddy Duffy
T00330

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

RHC C Company East Belfast

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A Red Hand Commando volunteer kneels in a garland of poppies. The quote on the left – “It’s not for glory or riches that we fight but for our people” – is based on the Declaration Of Arbroath and seen also in south Belfast (For Freedom Alone) and in Bangor (Remember Them Who Gave Their All). The Declaration was also used on one of the series of murals that can be seen, in part, to the left of the image above – see Ulster’s Freedom Corner.

The quote on the right – “Ulster’s destiny is in our hands; our grip is tight; we’ll never let go.” – appears to be original to the RHC.

Tower Street, east Belfast, replacing a version that had a solid white background.

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Copyright © 2000 Paddy Duffy
T00454

Never Again!

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In August, 1969, families, mostly Catholic, were driven out and their homes burned in Bombay Street (and surrounding streets), between the Falls and Shankill (RTÉ news report). The defenselessness of the community then is reflected in the urging for “No decommission” in the present. Fıan Gerard McAuley (aged 15) was shot in nearby Waterville Street.

Bombay Street, Clonard, west Belfast

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Copyright © 2000 Paddy Duffy
T00342

WDA 2nd Batt B Coy UFF

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The Woodvale Defence Association (WDA) was the largest of the local associations which merged together in 1971 to form the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) and the WDA became B company of 2nd battalion (WP).

Both pieces are in Heather Street, Woodvale, west Belfast. Between the two are the words “Ulster Freedom Fighters” in large letters – see D00967.

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Copyright © 2000 Paddy Duffy
T00451 T00450

Ballybeen RHC

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“Ballybeen C Coy East Belfast”, “Lamh dearg abu”, “It is not for glory or riches that we fight but for our people. We will always protect our community.” The first part of the quotation is based on the Declaration Of Arbroath (see also this RHC C Coy mural in east Belfast); “we will always protect our community” is original.

Upper Newtownards Road, Dundonald

(In some images of this mural, the top scroll says simply “Ballybeen”.)

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Copyright © 2000 Paddy Duffy
T00435