
Who we are
We are a group of women who volunteer in the Tampa Bay area and participate in various social activities with our city sponsors, to include Gasparilla. Community service is the cornerstone of our organization, and all members volunteer in various service opportunities.
We were the first all-female Krewe admitted into the Gasparilla parade lineup. We were founded in 1992 by fourteen women who were active in various TampaBay organizations, they joined together in the spirit of "Fun, Friendship and Frivolity" - this is now our motto. These ladies named our Krewe for a real Irish pirate, Grace O'Malley. From the original fourteen founders, our ranks have now grown to over four hundred ladies. We endeavor to capture the beauty of Ireland as well as the sea by featuring a seahorse and the various colors of Ireland in our crest.
Why we wear our beautiful Gowns
We wear our gowns as a nod to the significance of a key meeting Grace O’Malley had with Queen Elizabeth. It was at this meeting that Grace wore her best Elizabethan gown to request her inheritances be returned to her and for her son and brother-in-law be released from prison.

Our Floats
We have 2 floats to hold all our ladies during parades and special events. Our main float is Rockfleet, named after the Castle that helped Grace complete her stronghold on Clew Bay. It is this float where our current O’Malley rides at the top.
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Our other float is Grace Queen, named after the pirate queen herself. This float is where the O’Malley elect presides.

Seahorse symbology
Our mascot is a Seahorse, and each O’Malley selects their very own seahorse design to mark their year. The Seahorse is quite a unique creature and is thought to have mystical significance among the Torres Strait Island people. The Torres Strait Islanders believed that the seahorse is a good luck fortune/charm, an attribute of the sea. The seahorse is considered to be a symbol of strength and power. Divers have long viewed the seahorse as a good luck charm too.
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The symbolic meaning of Seahorse carries the following significance:
1. Loyalty Seahorses are known for their monogamous mating habits and strong pair bonds, which have made them a symbol of loyalty and commitment.
2. Patience Seahorses are slow-moving creatures and take their time to get where they are going. This has made them a symbol of patience and perseverance.
3. Strength Seahorses have an amazing ability to navigate ocean currents and survive in harsh conditions. This has made them a symbol of strength and resilience.
4. Creativity Seahorses have a unique shape that makes them very recognizable. This has made them a symbol of creativity and uniqueness.
5. Balance Seahorses have a long snout and a curved body, giving them an unusual balance. This has made them a symbol of balance and harmony

Meaning behind Our Crest
Designed in 1993 by Charter member Debra Jo Radke
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Clasped Hands - Friendship
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Heart - Caring & Loving
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Sun - Enlightenment
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Horse - Loyalty & Independence Legend has it Grace sailed on a ship called the White Horse
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Hibiscus - Our Florida Community
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Crossbow & Ship - Power on Land and Sea
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Boar - Bravery
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Seahorse - Fun & Frivolity
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The Ship, Crossbows and Wild Boar were borrowed from symbols used by Grace O'Malley herself signifying the O'Malley Clan motto of "Terra Marique Potens - All powerful on land and sea"
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Ye Loyal Krewe of Grace O'Malley Founders
Ye Loyal Krewe of Grace O'Malley was formed in 1992 when fourteen women, active in the Tampa community, had a vision about forming an all female Krewe as a social organization. Their inspiration being Grace O'Malley, a real female Irish pirate from the 16th century.

Front Row: Jeanne Rowe, Amy Crane, Teri Willis.
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Middle Row: Laura Bruce, Pam Milhan, Trudi Haughey.
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Back Row: Nancy Martin, Cheria McNabb, Peggi Crump,Roberta Schofield, Barbara Rigall, Marla King, Mary Dietz and Nan Beytin.

History of Granuaile
(Grace O’Malley)

