“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
This is a 2007? repainting of a lower Shankill mural placing Ulster Freedom Fighters/Ulster Defence Association (UFF/UDA) within the historical context of “a new organization entitled the Ulster Defence Association, the objects of which are to elect an assembly of 600 delegates, having authority to declare the policy and direct the action of the Ulster Unionists and to raise funds for the purposes of the organization from loyalists of all classes.” The motto of the organisation was “Quis separabit” (which is the same as the UDA’s).
The Union faded away in the 1910s, but the name was revived by the UDA in 2007.
The manifesto was launched on St Patrick’s day 1893, in response to the 2nd Home Rule bill. Membership was closed on June 1st, by which time 170,000 people had signed up. The newspaper source of the text is unknown; a similar newspaper article from the Tasmanian Daily Telegraph can be found here. The words “Ulster Defence Association” do not occur in the manifesto.
For more on Saunderson, see Union Is Strength.
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Copyright © 2008 Paddy Duffy (no date given)
T00464
This mural shows Orange Order marchers in front of a banner depicting previous gatherings in Malvern St. The text on the side wall reads “This mural depicts Malvern St arch which was where the local community gathered to celebrate the traditional 12th of July commemoration.”
By Blaze FX in Hopewell Crescent, lower Shankill, west Belfast
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Copyright © 2008 Paddy Duffy (no date given)
T00463
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]
This is a lower Shankill mural of Oliver Cromwell, Lieutenant General, Lord Protector of the Protestant faith, born 1599, died 1658. “Catholicism is more than a religion, it is a political power. Therefore I’m led to believe there will be no peace in Ireland until the Catholic church is crushed.” “Our clergy persecuted and our Protestant churches desecrated. Also our Protestant people slaughtered in their thousands.”
Shankill Parade, west Belfast
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Copyright © 2008 Paddy Duffy
T00457
This is a 2008 image of a mural of King Billy (on the horse) and Schomberg (dying on the bank of the Boyne) seen previously in 2000.
Shankill Parade, west Belfast
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Copyright © 2008 Paddy Duffy
T00456
The Ulster Banner – the flag of the Northern Ireland government from 1924 to 1973 – is taken from the arms, shown here. The supporters are a lion – for the Ulster-Scots – and an elk – for the Irish (WP).
Malvern Way, west Belfast
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Copyright © 2008 Paddy Duffy
T00455
Paddy Duffy Collection 