That was the message clearly shown when Cork City Council recently removed tributes painted by Ógra Shinn Féin to the former TD and Lord Mayor of Cork, Terence MacSwiney, and the Roll of Honour of Fianna Éireann, Chorcai.
In a shocking display of disrespect, the murals that had been painted on a derelict building in the Lee Fields were cited by the Recreation, Amenity and Culture Department as “defacement” under the Litter Pollution Act.
Terence MacSwiney died after 76 days on hunger strike in Brixton Prison, after being arrested in Cork having been found in possession of a cipher key. The four Fianna died in the struggle for Irish independence between the years 1917 and 1924.
Despite the wall having previously been covered by graffiti, no effort was ever made to refurbish it until the murals were painted. The vandalised portions of the wall remained untouched by the “renovation works”.
Sinn Féin Councillor Jonathan O’ Brien said,
“I find it incredible that the Council has taken this action. This was an attempt by local youths to enhance the area through the celebration of those who made the greatest sacrifice for the people of Cork and this country. To say that it amounts to defacement beggars belief.”
6 comments:
scumbags.
Fair play to OSF, put it back up!!!
disgraceful act by the council, young people are very often vilified by the 'authorities these days, and when the youth of the area try to do something positive by honouring the area's fallen heros they are threatened with legal action. This state needs to get their priorities right, shame on them!
A clear and simple act of treason by Cork City Council, even more incredulous is the fact that the murals are dedicated to Republican's killed during the War of Independence (ie: the one FF/FG acknowledge)!
I believe that Ogra should replace this mural and refused to be bound by these shameful act. Politicians and officials of all shades vilify youth continually but when something creative is initiated they go all out against it!
Absolute disgrace.
They should be ashamed of themselves.
Paint it again lads!!
The mural needs to be put back up..
Oppose censorship
Honouring our patriot dead is no crime...
If the mural is put back up make sure to use the rest of the wall to campaign for the new no to lisbon campaign and send out a clear message to the authorities
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