Desmond, Gerald Fitzgerald, 15th earl of

Desmond, Gerald Fitzgerald, 15th earl of dĕzˈmənd [key], d. 1583, Irish nobleman. He spent his life fighting Thomas Butler, 10th earl of Ormonde, who represented English interests. He was twice imprisoned in London, but returned both times to continue his struggle. In 1579 he was proclaimed a traitor, and after four years of rebellion, he was captured and killed.

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