Gerald Fitzgerald, Lord of Offaly

Who is Gerald Fitzgerald, Lord of Offaly?

Gerald Fitzgerald, Lord of Offaly, was the son of Maurice FitzGerald, Lord of Lanstephan. Both took part in the Norman invasion of Ireland.

Though the Geraldines had already become a well-known family, Gerald is more often called Fitzmaurice than Fitzgerald. Accompanying his father from Wales to Ireland, he and his brother Alexander showed great valour in the battle against Roderick O'Conor outside the walls of Dublin in 1171. After his father's death William Fitzaldhelm deprived him and his brothers of their stronghold of Wicklow, though after a time compelled to give them Ferns in exchange. He had already received from Strongbow Naas and other districts in what became County Kildare, and had erected Maynooth Castle.

In 1199, though receiving King John's letters of protection, he was ordered to "do right" to Maurice Fitzphilip for the lands of 'Gessil and Lega', that he had taken from Maurice. On his death Gerald was still in possession of those estates. He is often described as 'Baron Offaly,' the middle cantred of which had been among his father's possessions. He died before 15 January 1204, though generally is said to have died in 1205.