GRANUAILE
According to legend Grainne and her forces were on pilgrimage at a holy well on Clare island on St. Brigid's day. News was brought that a ship had foundered near Achill. Her ships set sail into the gale but upon reaching the place it was found the ship had broken up. From the rocks was recovered a young man, nearly dead, said to be called Hugh de Lacy and of Nordic origin. She nursed him back to health and the two fell in love.
Sadly he was killed shortly thereafter by the MacMahons of Ballycroy while deer hunting. Grace wasted no time and found them after the killing on a pilgrimage to the island of Cahir. She destroyed their boats and personally slew those responsible for Hugh's death. Still not satisfied she sailed back to their castle of Doona in Blacksod bay, routed its inhabitants and installed her followers there. It is though that her title of 'The Dark Lady of Doona' originates from this.
The Gráinne Mhaol - The Process
In January we held a public meeting in The Black Box to invite people to become involved and the turn out was overwhelming with over 450 people turning up.
Declan Gibbons - General Manager - Macnas - July 2002
Press Reviews
" Lighting was efficent but could have played a more potent role in the design of the drama"
" In traditional pagents, specticle, exaggerated characters and large scale action outweigh content. Gráinne Mhaol was perhaps a trifel overconcerned with the latter, sailing dangerously close to the conventional, but it chartered new, exciting waters in term of its own unique development and in extending authentic community theatre."
" A notable achievement by Macnas' own high standards and another Festival landmark"
Memories
I invite all participants and/or those who saw the show to enter their memories into this space. Photos of the show most welcome
or e-mail me at :
