Despite her technical submission to the English, Granuaile was captured in 1577 while raiding the Earl of Desmond. Later, Granuaile was transferred to the dungeons of Dublin Castle to await execution but managed to use shrewd political bargaining to gain her release. Giving her promise of good behavior, Granuaile returned to Connacht. Granuaile was now in a position of great political power among the tribes but it was not to last for long. Accordingly, she didn't wait for tradition but moved lock, stock and barrel into Rockfleet Castle.
Possession is, after all, nine-tenths of the law.
In 1584, Sir Richard Bingham took over as Governor of Connacht. He was a ruthless man, dedicated to the total eradication of Gaelic customs and indeed, the whole Celtic way of life. He intended to replace the Gaelic tradition with English customs and would use whatever means necessary, including force. One of his primary goals was to end Granuaile's career once and for all. Bingham captured Granuaile and members of her clan in 1586.