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
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Copyright © 2008 Paddy Duffy
T00615
Red Hand Commando volunteer Stevie McCrea was sentenced to 16 years for the murder of James Kerr in 1972 (Behind The Mask) and was subsequently “murdered by the enemies of Ulster” on February 18th, 1989 in an IPLO attack on the Orange Cross (see M00560 | WP). “For he shall not grow old as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary him nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember him.”
This is a repaint of the mural seen in 2007, which is itself a repainting of the original mural to McCrea – see T00152.
McCrea is included on murals in south Belfast’s Frenchpark Street and Broadway (dating back to at least 1993).
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Copyright © 2008 Paddy Duffy
T00472
The mural shows people being hanged, speared, and drawn behind a horse, and houses in flames.” The persecution of the Protestant people by the church of Rome, 1600 [probably the Irish Rebellion of 1641 (WP)] – the ethnic cleansing still goes on today.”
Hopewell Crescent, lower Shankill, Belfast
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Copyright © 2008 Paddy Duffy
T00474
This is a 2008 image of a mural seen previously in 2000.
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Copyright © 2008 Paddy Duffy
T00477
This lower Shankill mural commemorates prisoners kept in the Long Kesh cages and the H-Blocks during the Troubles (and prior to the Agreement).
Previously, the left flank bore the letters “UDA” and the right flank “UFF”, with “LPOW” at the bottom of each.
Hopewell Crescent, lower Shankill, west Belfast
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Copyright © 2008 Paddy Duffy
T00469
“There are many legends telling the origins of the Red Hand Of Ulster. This mural depicts only one of those.” In this case, the myth is that Ulster was offered as a prize to whoever could reach it first and was won by throwing a severed hand onto the shore. The flag of Northern Ireland (the Ulster Banner) is in the apex.
Replaces the Lower Shankill UFF mural (M02478).
Shankill Parade, lower Shankill, west Belfast
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Copyright © 2008 Paddy Duffy
T00669 [T00668]
The mythological hero Cuchulainn, defender of Ulster against the forces of Queen Medb of Connacht, is placed below the flag of Northern Ireland. “Here we stand, here we remain. We simply want to take our God ordained place as indigenous Ulster people, understanding and living out our calling. We assume our identity without shame, retaliation or indignation against those who have caused harm to our past and tried to castrate our culture, our identity and our place on this island.”
Cú Chulaınn has his own Visual History page. This is the most active depiction of the hero; he is usually depicted in his death throes.
Hopewell Crescent, lower Shankill, west Belfast
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Copyright © 2008 Paddy Duffy
T00437 T00467
Talavera De La Reina is southwest of Madrid, Spain. The French, who had invaded Portugal but been driven out by British forces under Wellesley, fought the combined forces of the Spanish (previously allies of the French in the Peninsular War) and British armies. Writing on the side-wall would later be added (see X00327).
By Blaze FX in Hopewell Crescent, lower Shankill, west Belfast
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Copyright © 2008 Paddy Duffy (no date given)
T00465 T00468 T00466
From the Belfast Telegraph: “Several hundred familys [sic] were forced to flee their homes last night as homes came under attack from republicans. The number homeless is running into several thousand, more people were moving out of riot areas today. The women and children have been offered shelter in cities across the sea. Security forces moved in to bring calm into riot areas.” The event referred to is the rioting in Bombay Street in 1969. “Can it change? We believe!”
Hopewell Crescent, lower Shankill, west Belfast
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Copyright © 2008 Paddy Duffy (no date given)
T00462
“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]
