Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grace_O%27Malley00.jpg
Grace O’Malley, who was also known as Gráinne Mhaol, lived in the 1500s. She was born in 1530. Her father was Eoghan Dubhdara, who was the lord of O Maille of Clew Bay, County Mayo and came from a long line of seafarers. It is even said that her whole family
Known as the “Pirate Queen,” despite her father’s wishes,
she led a pirate fleet. She shaved her hair so it would not get in her way and
would not get tangled in the ropes. Her hair was so short that it made her
appear bald. This earned her the nickname “Gráinne Mhaol,” which means “bald Grace.”
O’Malley became a skilled seafarer by the age of 16, and her skills led her to
impress her first husband and his family, who were seafaring allies of the O’Malleys.
Even after her first husband’s death, O’Malley remained a
powerful leader. She commanded a fleet of ships that were used for trading and
she was involved in politics and warfare. She conducted several raids on
merchant ships and coastal communities and maintained connections with allies
for political power.
Although she is known for her seafaring skills, she may be
even more known for her defiance of British rule. She engaged in both open
conflict and diplomacy with the British. She sons and half-brother were
captured by the British, but O’Malley had a meeting with Queen Elizabeth I in
1593 where she negotiated their release. She also negotiated the release of
Bingham, the English governor of Connacht.
In the 20th century, she was still an inspiration to those fighting for Irish independence. There have been stories, songs, and works of art inspired by her and her legendary acts. Today, she is seen by Irish nationalists as a hero who fought against British rule. Feminists see her as strong and independent, but unfortunately, she lived in a time of patriarchy and misogyny that ran rampant.
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