By Sabina Clarke
We have been notified that there will be an unveiling of a specially commissioned sculpture of Princess Grace of Monaco by Mayo sculptor Mark Rode—who designed the bust of former President Obama in Moneygall—on Thursday, March 16th in Newport, County Mayo, Ireland. The event will be open to the public and followed by a reception in Hotel Newport.
His Serene Highness, Prince Albert of Monaco who personally selected the image for the sculpture will be joined at the unveiling by his cousin J.B. Kelly, of Philadelphia, son of John B. Kelly, Jr and a candidate for the At-Large seat on Philadelphia’s City Council.
The statue, situated on Castlebar Street at the entrance to Newport’s landmark seven arch viaduct is the Newport Business Association’s celebration of the ‘Town of the Two Graces’ — a way to commemorate two iconic women and their connections to Newport: Grainne Uaile (Grace O’Malley) from the 16th century and Grace Kelly from the 20th century.
Princess Grace’s ancestors hailed from Drimurla just outside Newport and both she and her son had previously visited the town. The statue of Grainne Uaile will be unveiled later in the year.
The former Grace Kelly has deep ties to Philadelphia, her birthplace and to her Irish roots. This latest honor is just one more homage to the bonds that exist between Ireland and the City of Brotherly Love and further testament to her lasting legacy.