O'Malley Clan Chief to unveil statue to Gráinne Uaile in Newport

The current Chieftain of the O'Malley Clan will pay tribute to the clan's most famous ancestor, Gráinne Uaile, by officially unveiling a statue to the Pirate Queen in Newport.

Nano O’Malley McMahon, the current Chieftain of the O’Malley Clan will join the people of Newport at 12 noon on Saturday, January 13 to officially unveil the statue of her ancestor Grace O'Malley.

The unveiling of the statue located on Medlicott Street at the entrance to the town is the culmination of a Newport Business Association (NBA) strategy, developed in 2019, which was to brand and promote Newport as 'The Town of the Two Graces' – Gráinne Uaile from the 16th Century and Grace Kelly from the 20th Century.

A key action of this strategy was to commission sculptures of the two Graces, to be located in the town, which would reflect the lives of these great women icons who still have strong connections with Newport.

Newport has had a long-standing historical link with the Pirate Queen - Gráinne Mhaol, the Irish version of her name which is now more popularly termed as Gráinne Uaile. Protector of Clew Bay and the Barony of Burrishoole (Newport), this larger than life figure is known for her commanding leadership and consummate bravery.

Gráinne Mhaol is revered as a fiercely independent woman whose family stronghold at Carraigahowley (Rockfleet) outside Newport, is the castle most associated with Gráinne Uaile and it is where she lived on almost a continuous basis until her death in 1603. Carraigahowley Castle still stands sentinel over Clew Bay, immortalising her imposing presence from those distant centuries.

The event will mark the completion of this project when Newport celebrates Gráinne Uaile, who in 1593 successfully negotiated with Queen Elizabeth I of England for the secure ownership of her lands and property and for her right to live in peace and continue her livelihood along the Atlantic shores which is evidence of Gráinne’s trading and commanding presence in the locality.

Mary Keane, Chairman of the Newport Business Association, commented: “This is a great occasion and the start of a new chapter for a thriving Newport – we are moving forward with confidence, thanks to the achievements of our emigrant families and the legacies of history – these statues will ensure that future generations will continue to be inspired by the achievements of our Two Graces”.

The sculptor, Mark Rode who works from his studio in Kilasser, near Swinford, was commissioned to undertake this artistic endeavour. Mark is well-known throughout Ireland for his work which includes The Barack Obama bust in Moneygall, The Quiet Man statue in Cong, and Titanic Memorial in Addergoole, Co Mayo. Mark can now add Newport’s 'The Two Graces' to his list of creative achievements. The Grace Kelly sculpture, located at the Viaduct Bridge, was officially launched in March 2023 by her son, Prince Albert of Monaco.

The Newport Business Association has worked closely with Mayo Co Council in planning the location of the sculptures. Mayo Local Action Group through its implementing partner South West Mayo Development Company provided LEADER funding to support the project with the balance being raised through private sponsorship, donations, and fundraising events.