A leading west of Ireland musical society has launched a novel search for as many Grace O’Malleys as it can find – and it’s all to do with its forthcoming show about the legendary pirate queen of the same name.
Grace O’Malley – also known as Granuaile, Grainne NiMhaille, or Grainne Mhaol – is the subject of the musical The Pirate Queen. Ballinrobe Musical Society, one of Ireland’s top amateur musical societies, is staging the world amateur premiere of the show from February 11 to 20, and has started a worldwide for Grace O’Malleys.
“We are just curious to see how many people out there are named – either wittingly or unwittingly – after this legendary sea queen of Connacht,” explained Ballinrobe Musical Society chairperson Pat McGovern.
“Already we have had some messages of goodwill from a number of Grace O’Malleys, and that prompted us to cast the net wider.
“Ironically, just 10 years ago we had a Queen of the Lakes here in the Ballinrobe area called Grace O’Malley. The name has lived on since the 16th century when Grace O’Malley was in her pomp, taking on the English establishment and making a name for herself as a fearless pirate.”
Grace O’Malleys all over the world can make themselves known by signing up to the Ballinrobe Musical Society Facebook page, or by emailing [email protected].
Tickets for the show go on sale on Monday, February 1, from the ticket office at Sean Costello’s, Abbey St, Ballinrobe, telephone 094 954 1405. Credit card bookings will be accepted.
