Saturday will be a special day for 'The Town of Two Graces'
An illustration of Grainne Mhaol, who is one of the most revered figures in Irish history.
On Saturday next, January 13th, the people of Newport will congregate on Meddlicott Street at 12 noon to celebrate Newport’s official status as 'The Town of the Two Graces' when the sculpture of Grainne Uaile will be launched by Nano O’Malley McMahon, the current Chieftain of the O’Malley Clan.
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 it’s 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.
In 1593, Grainne Mhaol successfully negotiated with Queen Elizabeth I of England for the secure ownership of her lands and property and for her right to live in peace and continue her livelihood along the Atlantic shores which is evidence of Grainne’s trading and commanding presence in the locality.
The unveiling of this statue 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' – Grainne Uaile from the 16th century and Grace Kelly from the 20th century. A key aim 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 sculptor, Mark Rode who works from his studio in Killasser, near Swinford, was commissioned to undertake this artistic endeavour. Mark is well-known throughout Ireland for his work which includes the Barack Obama bust in Moneygall, The Quiet Man statue in Cong, and Titanic Memorial in Addergoole, North Mayo. Mark can now add Newport’s 'The Two Graces' to his list of creative achievements. The Grace Kelly sculpture, located at the Viaduct Bridge, was officially launched in March 2023 by her son, HSH Prince Albert of Monaco.
The Newport Business Association has worked closely with Mayo Co Council in planning the location of the sculptures. 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.
