Kenny backs moves to Honour Princess Grace
5 June 1996
By TOM GILLESPIE
The Minister for Tourism and Trade, Mr. Enda Kenny said his Department would give a "fair hearing" to proposals to restore the ancestral home of Princess Grace of Monaco.
The tumbledown ruins at Drimurla, Newport could be transformed into a fitting memorial to the former film star who died in a car smash fourteen years ago.
Her grandfather, John Bernard Kelly was born in the two-roomed cottage and eked out a living there before emigrating to the US. In 1976 the Princess purchased the dwelling and the surrounding 35-acres of land for £7,800.
Last year the Gramaldi family in Monaco announced they were prepared to consider suitable plans and proposals for the restoration and long-term protection of the homestead.
But Minister Kenny said the local interests at Drimurla would have an important role to play in any development which would take place
Mr. Kenny said: "The community down there must decide to get together either with themselves or the county council and present a plan. They have not done that to date and they have made no move on it as far as I know.
"One of the things they could do would be to have a memorial to Princess Grace in a cottage that was actually inhabited. It could be leased to a manager or manageress rather than having it as a lock-up craft shop."
He said the cottage could be leased to the caretaker for the revenue it would generate. It could contain photographs and memorabilia of the Princess.
The Minister said he had met with members of Newport Tourism on a number of occasions.
"If an application is presented certainly we would give it a fair hearing. I would encourage them to discuss it with Ireland West and sent it up for funding either on their own as an organisation or through the local authority."
Local County Councillor, Mr. Frank Chambers said a suitable plan should be drawn up between the Gramaldi family. Mayo County Council and the Drimurla Restoration Committee.
He said: "I am looking forward to meaningful negotiations between the three
parties involved. The provision of a memorial cottage would be a fitting
tribute to a lady who was held in such high esteem by the Irish people.
Connaught Telegraph - News - June 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sport - June 1996
