Newport to celebrate its official status as 'The Town of the Two Graces'
NEWPORT will celebrate its official status as 'The Town of the Two Graces' at 12 noon on Saturday, January 13, when the community will gather at Meddlicott Street where a new 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; a fiercely independent woman who defended her homeland and its people with honour.
In 1593 she 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 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.
The unveiling of this statue is the culmination of a Newport Business Association (NBA) strategy, developed in 2019, 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 action 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.
Sculptor Mark Rode, who works from his studio in Kilasser, 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.
The Grace Kelly sculpture, located at the viaduct bridge, was officially launched in March 2023 by her son, HSH Prince Albert of Monaco.
Newport Business Association has worked closely with Mayo County 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.
Mary Keane, chairperson of Newport Business Association, commented: “This is a great occasion and the start of a new chapter for a thriving Newport. We are moving forward with confidence, thanks to the achievements of our emigrant families and the legacies of history.
“These statues will ensure that future generations will continue to be inspired by the achievements of our Two Graces.”