Grace O’MalleyBhargavi Kullakanda and Shannon Cheng

• Gráinne Ní Mháille (1530 – 1603)• Country of Origin: Ireland• Father was a sea captain and the chieftain of the Ó Máille clan• Inspired to become a pirate at a very young age• When her father refused to take her on a voyage to Spain she cut off all

her hair and dressed in boy’s clothing to prove she could handle the journey (earned her the name “Grainne Mhaol" meaning "Bald Grace“)

• She saved her father’s life by leaping onto the back of an attacking pirate who intended to stab her father

Background

Marriage and Family• First husband - Donal O'Flaherty, the son of the

chieftain of the O'Flaherty clan – Three children: sons Owen and Murrough

and daughter Margaret• Second husband - Richard Burke, married in an

effort to strengthen her hold on the west coast area of Ireland– One child: son Tibbot (or Theobald)

• Through her marriages she gained control of a number of islands and five castles

"The Sea Queen Of Connaught"

• Developed a reputation as a fearless pirate leader• Took on Turkish and Spanish pirate ships and even the

English fleets during her pirating endeavors • Possessed her own fleet of ships• Ship’s Name: Malendroke???• Involved in the business of sailing ships and international

trade• Howth Castle - she abducted the Earl's son after she was refused at the gates• Revenge for the death of her lover,

English Takeover of Ireland• English had taken over much of Ireland through a process called

"Submit and Regrant” in which clan leaders were forced submit their lands to the English and in return they were given an English title.

• Grace O’Malley fiercely rebelled in an attempt to preserve the Gaelic way of life.

• She was eventually captured by Sir Richard Bingham, a Governer appointed by the Queen to rule over the regranted territories.

• Grace was sentenced to be hanged, however, her son-in-law offered himself up as a hostage in exchange for her freedom and promise to remain loyal to England.

Meeting with the Queen

• In 1593, after many difficult years fighting against the English and the capture of her brother and son by English forces, Grace sought a meeting with Queen Elizabeth to make peace and secure the release of her brother and son.

• Grace agreed to use her strength and leadership to defend the Queen against her enemies by land and by sea, in exchange for the freedom of her family and the return of her assets seized by the English.

Later Life• Pirated long into her old age• Directed her raids against the "enemies of England" during

the Nine Years War • Most likely died at Rockfleet Castle around 1603, the same

year as Elizabeth