Garret Óg, 9th earl of Kildare

Irish ruler

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June 30, 2026

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Garret Óg, the 9th Earl of Kildare, was a powerful Irish ruler in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He inherited significant authority and offices from his father, the 8th Earl, who had wielded almost kingly power in Ireland from 1477 to 1513. The 9th Earl continued this influence, effectively controlling the Dublin government. However, his power was ultimately undermined by the rebellion of his son, Lord Thomas Fitzgerald, against the English crown. This rebellion led to the end of the Fitzgerald family's hereditary viceroyalty and a tightening of English control over Ireland.12

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Ireland
The Kildare ascendancy
…deputyship passed to his son Garret Óg (Young Gerald), 9th earl of Kildare, who continued, though less impressively, to dominate the country. But James, 10th earl of Desmond, intrigued with the Holy Roman emperor Charles V; and Henry VIII became convinced that Kildare had lost the power to control Ireland…
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…deputyship passed to his son Garret Óg (Young Gerald), 9th earl of Kildare, who continued, though less impressively, to dominate the country. But James, 10th earl of Desmond, intrigued with the Holy Roman emperor Charles V; and Henry VIII became convinced that Kildare had lost the power to control Ireland…
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Conn O’Neill, 1st earl of Tyrone
…mother to the Earl of Kildare (Fitzgerald), became chief of the Tyrone branch of the O’Neills (Cinel Eoghain) about 1520. When Kildare became viceroy in 1524, O’Neill consented to act as his swordbearer in ceremonies of state; but his allegiance was not to be reckoned upon. However, the territory of…
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…mother to the Earl of Kildare (Fitzgerald), became chief of the Tyrone branch of the O’Neills (Cinel Eoghain) about 1520. When Kildare became viceroy in 1524, O’Neill consented to act as his swordbearer in ceremonies of state; but his allegiance was not to be reckoned upon. However, the territory of…
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