Glenageenty’s Last Earl
Archived: 17 October 2026
In 1583, the Second Desmond Rebellion ended as Gerald FitzGerald, earl of Desmond, was hunted through Kerry after royal forces, allied lords and negotiated surrenders destroyed his support. Following the death of his captain Godfrey MacSweeney, Desmond was captured and beheaded at Glenageenty on 11 November. War had devastated Munster’s food supplies, settlements, trade and population, leaving famine, displacement and disputed land rights. His death enabled future confiscation and plantation, though surveys and large-scale settlement followed later. Catholic clergy faced repression: Dermot O’Hurley arrived, sought toleration and was imprisoned, while Maurice MacKenraghty was captured. Refugees at Swords developed leather manufacture.