The People
5 October 2003When Grainne ruled waves as Irish warrior pirate
AN ancient warrior has been uncovered as Ireland's first feminist in a major new documentary to be screened across the world.
Fearless Grainne Mhaol (Grace O'Malley) gambled, divorced, had a string of lovers and led a brutal army of male pirates - despite living in the 16th century.
A major Discovery Channel documentary about her claims she was written out of factual history by religious male historians who believed she set a dangerous example as a woman who went too far.
The hour-long study on the legendary Grainne Mhaol lifts the lid on the fearless feminist who became the first woman chieftain in Ireland and exposes how she forced society to accept equal rights.
Presented by Xena Warrior Princess star Lucy Lawless the documentary is to be screened this month on Discover.
A documentary team spent weeks investigating whether she was myth or legend.
Legend tells of a fearsome, beautiful pirate queen who commanded a loyal force of men and gave the English navy a run for its money.
And say the documentary makers, Grainne Mhaol, born around 1530, was a real life warrior for women's rights.
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