James Fitz John FitzGerald
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James Fitz John FitzGerald, Earl of Desmond, was head of the Desmond Geraldines, the greatest Norman-Irish house in Munster, and Lord Treasurer of Ireland. He died in 1558. His daughter Margaret married into the FitzMaurices of Kerry, which is how the Desmond blood reaches this family, a generation before the Desmond wars destroyed his house entirely.
Research notes
✓ DOCUMENTED as to the relationship (Burke's LANSDOWNE lineage): JAMES FITZ JOHN FITZGERALD, EARL OF DESMOND (d. 1558 - the 14th Earl in the usual numbering; Lord Treasurer of Ireland) - head of the DESMOND GERALDINES; by his 2nd wife More O'Carroll, father of Lady Margaret (m. 14th Baron Kerry - our line). The Desmond pedigree above him is national history - printed pedigree, not entered (extendable). Direct ancestor. Added 21 Jul 2026. ||CP AUDIT 26 Oct 2026|| RING 26 Oct 2026 - parents added: CP IV p.249 '13. James FitzJohn (FitzGerald), Earl of Desmond, cousin and h. male, being 2nd but 1st surv. s. and h. male of Sir John of Desmond, by More, da. of Donogh O'Brien, of Carrigogunnell, co. Limerick, which Sir John was 4th s. of the 7th Earl'. Claim recommended by Lord Deputy Grey 1536/7; submitted Jan 1540/1; P.C. [I.] 1540/1, Lord Treasurer 1542-51, 1553-58. m. 1stly his great-niece Joan Roche (repudiated), 2ndly before 1533 More da. of Sir Maolrony O'Carroll - mother of Margaret the Fair (I99151). Source: Complete Peerage 2nd edn vol. IV (1916), 'Desmond' pp.232-250 (article by G.W. Watson), read 25-26 Oct 2026 (archive.org djvu text).