Gearóid Mór, Earl of Kildare

The FitzGerald family name has been prominent in Irish history. The Dáil meets in Leinster House, built as a town house for the Duke of Leinster and situated on Kildare Street, which was their original title. Many of the 18th century moves for independence were inspired by 1798 and the exploits of Lord Edward FitzGerald.
Another branch of the family, based in Munster, were the Earls of Desmond. This branch were involved in many rebellions against the English rule. They are still represented by the Knight of Kerry and the Knight of Glin.
The original FitzGeralds arrived in Ireland from Wales, played a leading role in the Norman invasion in 1169 and the title, Earls of Kildare, was conferred on them. One of the better known of the FitzGeralds was Gerald the 8th Earl, sometimes known as Gearóid Mór or the Great Earl.
He was appointed the King’s Lord Deputy in Ireland and for nearly 20 years, presided over a period of almost near independence. Eventually, his enemies succeeded in having him brought to London where he was put in the Tower and brought to trail.
The King advised him to appoint anyone present to assist him and Gearóid said that he would pick the best counsel in England and choose the King himself. One of the charges against him was that he burned down the great church at Cashel. He admitted this but claimed he only did so because he thought the Archbishop was in the church at the time. When one of his accusers shouted that “All Ireland cannot rule this man,” the King replied, “Then he shall rule all Ireland”. He was re appointed Lord Lieutenant.
Those early Norman Earls were not prepared to be ruled from England. Provided they were let run their own affairs, they were quite prepared to accept the authority of the King , but only as King of Ireland. Mind you, running their own affairs often involved battles and wars between themselves. At different times, he fought against opponents in Connaught, against the O’Neills in Ulster and even hung the Lord Mayor of Cork. One of his long running feuds was with the Butlers, Earls of Ormond.
Ormond took refuge in St Patrick’s Cathedral and refused to meet Gearóid. To prove his good intentions and that he wanted to make peace with Butler, FitzGerald cut a hole in the door and reached in his arm without a sword. When Butler grasped his arm rather than cutting it off, peace was declared between them. This is said to be the origin of the phrase, “To chance your arm”.
Unfortunately, for Gearóid not all his escapades ended as well. He was seriously wounded fighting against the O’Connors and died some days later back in Kildare.
It is said that Gearóid and his men sleep in a cave under the Curragh of Kildare ready to defend Ireland should they be needed. He rises every seven years on May Day and rides his horse around the Curragh. When the horses shoes have finally worn away he will return and reign as King of Ireland for 40 years.
Gerald FitzGerald, 8th Earl of Kildare, known as the Great Earl or Gearóid Mór, died on September 3, 1513 – 498 years ago this week.