Who Was Grace O'Malley The Pirate Queen?

Grace was born in 1530 in County Mayo, Ireland She. was the daughter of Owen O'Malley, chieftain of Umhall Uachtarach (Barony of Murrisk). The family had been famous for its sailing prowess since 1123.
Grace grew up with her half-brother Donal-na-Piopa on Clare Island.
In 1546, Grace married Donal O'Flaherty, the Tanist of the O'Flaherty Clan. Grace had three children; Owen, Murrough and Margaret by the marriage. Ireland was subject to the English policy of "Submit and Regrant" . This allowed Irish Chieftains to keep their lands as long as they accepted English rule.There were very strict restrictions, which forbid the transport of goods by other than English ships and severely restricted true Irish trade. Grace disobeyed the rules.
Twice widowed and imprisoned.She was taken to London to face Queen Elizabeth the First.
Queen Elizabeth I later pardoned her after their meeting .. Grace left England with a pardon and an order for Sir Richard to supply her with a pension. It is said that the two women forced a friendship from mutal respect.
Grace died in 1603.

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Nathan's Great Grandmother!

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