An Irish Female Tomboy Pirate Queen and Daughter of a Clan Chieftain Is Born

Granuaile (1530-1603), known as the "Pirate Queen of Connacht" in Ireland, was the only tomboy daughter of noblewoman Margaret O'Malley and clan chieftain Dudara ("Black Oak") O'Malley, who also doubled as a sea captain in his time.

As with most pirates, female or otherwise, she had a hankering from an early age to go to sea. Either Granuaile was a strong-willed spirit in her youth or else her family was progressive by 16th-century standards, because they openly tolerated her tomboy ways and her short-boy-hair-style-wearing ways.

Have a Problem with an English Boarding Party? No Problem. Granuaile Will Leap on Your Attackers’ Backs and Save You

Granuaile (also known as "Gráinne Mhaol" or "Bald Grace") had her first taste of pirate-like action in her teens. Travelling from Spain back to Ireland with her father on board his ship, they were attacked by an English vessel. Her old man ordered her to remain below deck during the fighting. It was just as well or better than well for him that she didn’t remain below deck, because just when it looked like he was about to be run through, Granuaile leapt on the back of his attacker, thus creating a diversion which, in turn, led to a turning of the battle against the English and the saving of the day and pats on her shoulder for her skillful back-leaping ability which had heretofore been an unknown talent.