Grace O’Malley statue unveiled in Co Mayo’s "Town of Two Graces"

A new statue of Grace O’Malley (“Grainne Uaile”) was unveiled in Newport, Co Mayo on Saturday, January 13 as part of the Newport Business Association’s (NBA) Town of Two Graces project.

The Grainne Uaile statue was launched on Saturday afternoon by Nano O’Malley McMahon, the current Chieftain of the O'Malley Clan Association, on Meddlicott Street.

According to MayoLive, Nano said during the unveiling: “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."

The unveiling of the statue marked the culmination of a Newport Business Association strategy, developed in 2019, to brand and promote Newport as “The Town of the Two Graces” – Grainne Uaile from the 16th Century and Grace Kelly from the 20th Century.

A key action of the strategy was to commission sculptures of the Two Graces, to be located in the town. Last year, a statue of Irish American Grace Kelly, who had ancestral links to Co Mayo, was unveiled.

Ahead of the unveiling of the Grainne Uaile statue, 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 Newport Business Association said ahead of Saturday's launch: "Newport has had a long-standing historical link with the Pirate Queen - Grainne Mhaol, the Irish version of her name which is now more popularly termed as Grainne 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.

"Grainne Mhaol is revered as a fiercely independent woman who defended her homeland and its people with honour.

"The family stronghold at Carraigahowley (Rockfleet) is the castle most associated with Grainne 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."

2

Rockfleet Castle. (Ireland's Content Pool)

The Newport Business Association noted how in 1593, Grainne Uaile "successfully negotiated with Queen Elizabeth I of England, the secure ownership of her lands and property and her right to live in peace and continue her livelihood along the Atlantic shores in the 16th Century is evidence of Grainne’s trading and commanding presence in the locality."

Mark Rode, who works from his studio in Kilassner near Swinford in Co Mayo, was commissioned to create the statue. His previous works include the Barack Obama bust in Moneygall, Co Offaly, The Quiet Man statue in Cong, Co Mayo, and the Titanic Memorial in Addergoole, Co Mayo.

Rode also created the Grace Kelly sculpture which is located at the Viaduct Bridge in Newport. The March 2023 launch of the Grace Kelly statue was attended by HSH Prince Albert of Monaco.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mark Rode (@markrodesculpture)

The Newport Business Association said it worked closely with Mayo County Council in planning the location of the sculptures and 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.