A Grand Dance It Is...

Gráinne Ní Mháille was an Irish pirate queen noted for her negotiations with Queen Elizabeth I. Her anglicized name was Granuaile which basically interprets to mean short hair. To further confuse things her later name somehow turned into Grace O'Malley. This is probably because people that speak English today have a hard time with Gaelic pronunciations. It is history that she negotiated the release of several Irishmen and had the Bristish appointed governor of Connacht, Richard Bingham, removed from his post. It is rumored she met with Queen Elizabeth not wearing shoes. For some reason this impressed the English Queen. The negotiations were mutually successful. I think this may be why Máiréad Nesbitt is barefooted while playing this song:



Please click on the two above links if you'd like to learn more about the colorful pirate queen or the beautiful violinist in the video. Máiréad Nesbitt is not only a pretty face, she's talented and intelligent. Her's is just as interesting a story as that of Granuaile. At least, it is to me.

"Gaelic: Is maith an scéalaí an aimsir.
Translation: Time is a good story teller.
Meaning: Stories become embellished with time."