Gráinne Uaile statue will be 'a symbol of courage and resilience'

The statue dedicated to Grace O'Malley, the Pirate Queen, which was unveiled this afternoon in Newport will be 'a symbol of courage and resilience' and a 'beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations'.

The statue to Grace O'Malley, also known as Gráinne Uaile was unveiled in Newport by the current Chieftain of the O'Malley Clan, Nano 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. The statue dedicated to Grace Kelly was unveiled by her son, Prince Albert of Monaco last March.

A large crowd attended the unveiling of the statue which depicts Grace O'Malley on her boat looking out over Clew Bay. 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.

A large number of O'Malley's were in attendance for the unveiling of the statue which was sculpted by Mark Rode who was commissioned to undertake this artistic endeavour.

Speaking at the unveiling, Nano O'Malley, the current Chieftain of the O'Malley Clan thanked the Newport Business Association for the honour of unveiling the statue and said it will be an inspiration for future generations.

“As we witness the unveiling of this statue in honour of Grace O'Malley, let us remember her as a symbol of courage and resilience and determination and let us O'Malley's be inspired by her unwavering commitment to her clan, her people and her land.

“The statue before us stands as a reminder of the power of one individual to make a lasting impact on history. May this statue serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations and the people of mayo. Let it remind us that we the O'Malley Clan and the people of Mayo are inheritors of a very proud legacy. Let it remind us to never shy away from challenges and to embrace your unique identity and always strive for greatness.

“In the words of Grace O'Malley herself, 'I have heard of your great fame, I have heard of your brave exploits but I defy anyone to surpass me in valour or deeds of arms'. Let us carry her words in our hearts as we continue to forge our own path and leave our mark on the world,” she said.

Mary Keane, Chairperson of the Newport Business Association welcomed everyone to the unveiling and said the town was proud to honour two women who left their mark on the world in which they lived.

Anne Chambers, the biographer of Grace O'Malley, told the crowd that growing up in Mayo she heard stories of the exploits of the Pirate Queen but they were not taught in schools. She said that her inspiration behind telling the story of Grace O'Malley was to ensure that people did not forget her exploits and was delighted that her story is now told in schools.
Ms Chambers added that when she wrote her first draft, she was asked for a copy by Grace Kelly who sent a letter thanking her for the copy and congratulated her on her work.

“I have to say from that contact we had with her at the time, Grace Kelly did know about Grace O'Malley. Here in Newport is quite rightly the proper place for the two Graces,” she commented.

Read more about the unveiling of the statue in Tuesday's edition of The Mayo News.