Gráinne Mhaol, the Pirate Queen

Gráinne Mhaol is a legendary Irish pirate that lived in Ireland around the year 1500. She sailed from island to island along the west coast with her fleet of ships. She raided as she went, building up a great hoard of wealth and earning her title as the Pirate Queen. 
It was not common for women to be sailors at this time but Gráinne rebelled against this. As the legend goes, Gráinne was told she could not sail because her beautiful long hair would catch in the ropes. This made her very angry, so she decided to cut off all her hair! Her father had no more excuses, so he had to let her on board. This is how she got her nickname ‘Gráinne Mhaol’; in Irish, maol means ‘bald’!
She was also one of the last Irish leaders to defend against English rule in Ireland.
Once, when she was on a trip to Dublin, she wanted to rest at Howth Castle. However, the lord would not open the gates to her. She became very angry, and kidnapped one of the lord’s sons. In return for his son, Gráinne made the lord promise to leave his gate open to visitors and to set and extra place for every meal. This shows that she was a very brave and determined person.
Each class in Scoil Mhuire have been given an Irish legend to base their art on for seachtain na gaeilge. An art competition will be held and there will be a winner in each class. 
Above are two examples of fourth class' 'Pirate Queen' inspired art pieces.