The political career of Gearóid Óg Fitzgerald ( Gerald ninth Earl of Kildare) (1487-1534) has traditionally been overshadowed by inappropriate comparisons with that of his father Gearóid Mór.

However, as this study shows, Gerald was a calculating, politically astute magnate who wrestled to maintain his dynasty's position within a rapidly evolving and increasingly centralised Tudor administration during the 1520's and early 1530's.

His political ability and achievements which have been obscured by the fall of the house of Kildare in 1534-5, are therefore brought to the fore in this study of his life and times.