Research Paper On Grace O Malley

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Grace O'Malley By: Shannon Keel Grace O’Malley was Queen of the O’Malley clan in western Ireland during the sixteenth century, ruling after her father, Eoghan O’Malley. Her name has been anglicized in modern history, though she is commonly referred to in Irish folklore as Gr`ainne O Maille. Grace was born in 1530 to an Irish chieftain of the O’Malley clan, in County Mayo, Ireland. Grace soon became a famous pirate, forging a career in seafaring that spanned over forty years. After her father’s death, Grace inherited the throne of the O’Malley clan, ruling actively the seas and lands of western Ireland, despite her having a brother. She was a beloved and revered Queen, demanding the best for her people through both politics and …show more content…

Because of this tradition, Grace was practically raised on the seas, having been taught the art of seafaring at a young age, as well as being extremely familiar with the body of water surrounding her home on Achill Island, Clew Bay. Grace was an extremely powerful female figure, having achieved both political stability at home, as well as a powerful military presence on the seas. Grace often ignored social rules of her time, becoming leader of her people in spite of her having a brother with a birthright. She even went so far as to have had multiple marriages, an idea almost unheard of in sixteenth century Ireland. Her first marriage was to a local clan leader, Donal O’Flaherty, and her second to Richard Burke, both powerful, wealthy men in their own …show more content…

Both were powerful, female rulers in male-dominated societies. Because of this connection, Grace turned to Elizabeth during an increasingly difficult period of English rule. Elizabeth’s newly appointed, cruel and ruthless governor, Sir Richard Bingham was punishing Grace and her people for her military success. Both Grace and her people were cut off from trade, their cattle confiscated, and their fleet seized. In a state of poverty and famine, Grace was so desperate that she sent a letter to the Queen, asking for relief from the torment of Sir Bingham, as well as permission to attack “her enemies.” By writing the Queen directly, Grace gained Elizabeth’s favor while diminishing Sir Bingham’s power. Through a series of well-documented letters, Elizabeth asked Grace about the situation in Ireland, giving Grace the opportunity to gain sympathy from the

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