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As Ireland marks 100 years of independence, a tourist route is being dedicated to this 16th-century rebel.
By Ronan O’Connell
24 May 2021, 09:45 BST
Grace O’Malley’s exploits on the stormy seas off Western Ireland made her an Irish legend.
Photograph by Karl-Heinz Raach, Laif/Redux
Almost five centuries ago, an 11-year-old Irish girl pleaded with her father. Eager to emulate this intrepid, seafaring man, she begged to board his ship and join his next expedition. Her request was denied. The reason he gave: Her long red hair would get caught in the ship’s ropes.
The next time this captain saw his daughter, she was near bald. The brazen girl had shorn her own locks and was on her way to cutting a fresh path for Irish women. These were the first bold steps of a future pirate queen.
By Judy Enright, Special to BostonIrish
May 3, 2021
Comeback announcement: Ireland will reopen on June 2
Thankfully, there is light on the tourism horizon in Ireland! Like the rest of the world, life on the island and its tourist industry have struggled with Covid restrictions. But vaccines, masks, and common sense have introduced hope into what might otherwise have been a dreary economic picture.
REOPENING: JUNE 2
Recently, Achill Tourism in Co. Mayo posted this: “Following the government’s announcement … we now have a date to work toward for the reopening of tourism businesses. We are counting down to June 2 when hotels, guesthouses, self-catering accommodation, and B&Bs can open, closely followed by pubs and restaurants for outdoor drinks and dining on the 7th of June.”
The Bank of Ireland branch in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo which is closing. Photo by Michael McLaughlin
According to Bank of Ireland, customers had switched over to online banking in reality, of course they would if the services were not provided on site.
The banking sector, in general, has been undergoing a revamp to keep up with digital times and Bank of Ireland is no different. It is a business, even if it is still being supported by taxpayers’ money to the tune of 14pc (the State shareholding in the bank).
This week, the bank reported the plans to close more than 100 branches, as well as a €1.1bn toll in impaired loans and an underlying loss of €374m for 2020 against the backdrop of Covid-19, although it added that it expects its loan-loss impairments to be significantly lower for this year.