Shinrone’s Geraldine Siege
Archived: 18 October 2026
In 1533, Ireland was governed through competing crown, Gaelic and Anglo-Irish powers rather than uniform Dublin rule. Lord Deputy Gerald FitzGerald aided Ferganainm Ó Cearbhaill, capturing Shinrone Castle in Éile, yet a rival claimant soon emerged, exposing Geraldine dependence on alliances and rivalry with the Butlers. Annals record night seizures of Sligo and Ardnaree, punitive raids, executions and violent successions across Moylurg, Firceall and Clannaboy. These conflicts disrupted communities but lordship also rested on hospitality, learning, agriculture and church organisation. Kildare’s Dublin parliament regulated corn disputes within limited crown territory. Ireland remained Catholic, although Henry VIII’s changing position foreshadowed rupture.