The Shankill & Falls Rd Murals tell a very different the story !

The murals on Shankill and Falls Roads in Belfast are powerful symbols of Northern Ireland's complex and often turbulent history. On Shankill Road, the murals predominantly reflect the Unionist and Loyalist community's identity and heritage. These vibrant and sometimes stark images depict historical figures, commemorations of paramilitary organizations, and tributes to those who lost their lives in the conflict. The murals serve not only as an expression of political allegiance but also as a reminder of the community's resilience and the ongoing desire for cultural preservation. They are a living testament to the Unionist perspective on Northern Ireland's past and present.
In contrast, the murals on Falls Road represent the Nationalist and Republican community. These artworks often commemorate the struggles and sacrifices associated with the Irish Republican cause. They feature iconic figures such as Bobby Sands, a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army who died during a hunger strike, as well as themes of civil rights and resistance. The Falls Road murals are deeply intertwined with the narrative of seeking Irish unification and remembering the victims of the conflict. Both sets of murals, while different in their messages and symbolism, collectively offer a poignant visual chronicle of the region's divided history and the enduring quest for identity and justice within these communities.
Bobby Sands, a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA), is a complex and controversial figure, often viewed differently depending on one's perspective on the conflict in Northern Ireland. To some, he is seen as a freedom fighter and martyr, while to others, he is considered a terrorist.
Sands was imprisoned for his involvement in an IRA bombing. Specifically, in 1972, he was arrested for possession of firearms related to an IRA operation, and later, in 1977, he was convicted for possession of firearms after being involved in a bombing of a furniture company. The Provisional IRA, to which Sands belonged, engaged in violent activities including bombings, shootings, and other acts aimed at ending British rule in Northern Ireland and uniting Ireland.
Whether these acts are classified as "terrorist" depends largely on one's definition of terrorism and perspective on the conflict. The British government and many others label the IRA's actions as terrorism due to the use of violence and intimidation to achieve political aims. Conversely, supporters of the IRA viewed their actions as part of a legitimate struggle for independence and self-determination.
Bobby Sands became internationally known during his hunger strike in 1981, which he led while imprisoned. He died after 66 days without food, drawing global attention to the conditions and political situation in Northern Ireland. His death and the deaths of other hunger strikers significantly influenced public opinion and political developments related to the Northern Ireland conflict.