The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
Desmond, Gerald Fitzgerald, 15th earl of
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.