Many of the murals in West Belfast are political and often commemorative in nature. One of the most impressive artworks of this kind honours three IRA volunteers from the Ballymurphy area.
The inspirational mural near the Whiterock Road and Springfield Road junction depicts Bobby McCrudden, Edward 'Mundo' O'Rawe and Pearse Jordan standing before a crowd, in what looks to be a call to arms with an enormous tricolour in the background.
The piece was painted by artists Danny Devenny and Marty Lyons, and was based on a promotional poster from the Michael Collins film. It is one of a series of about a dozen murals painted in honour of the Ballymurphy volunteers who lost their lives during the conflict.
The mural is a popular piece which is treasured by many in the local area, but for New Barnsley couple, Hugh and Teresa Jordan, it is of special significance. Their son Pearse Jordan is the volunteer on the right carrying the rifle, dressed in the green combat gear.
"It all depends upon what mood I'm in. You feel differently at times. Sometimes when I'm happy, it will give me a boost, other times when I'm down I will reflect on it," said Hugh.
"I accept that it is there and what it represents and I'm happy enough with that.
"I think it's a good depiction of Pearse, it is very like him, his features and his general build. It displays his attitude too, the way he was – he was very confident."
Pearse was unarmed when he was killed by the RUC under a shoot-to-kill policy in November 1992. It was two weeks before his 22nd birthday. Thirteen years after his death his family are still awaiting justice from the courts.
The other members in the painting, Bobby McCrudden and Mundo O'Rawe were killed in 1972 and 1973 respectively.
Teresa Jordan believes that although this particular mural depicts only three IRA men, it is there to commemorate all who died in the area.
"The mural covers from the start of the Troubles and goes the whole way through. The mural represents all volunteers. Pearse was the last volunteer to be killed from the area."
Hugh is grateful to the efforts of the Ballymurphy community for the tribute. "They couldn't have done any more than they did. They have given him recognition."
Pearse is also depicted in another mural in Turf Lodge with other deceased volunteers under a banner saying, "They may kill the revolutionary but not the revolution."
The caption under the Springfield Road mural reads, "In passing this mural pause a little while, pray for us and Erin, then smile."
