Sir John of Desmond

✓ Sir John (FitzThomas FitzGerald) of Desmond, 4th son of Thomas 7th Earl of Desmond (I100234) and Ellice Barry (I100447); younger brother of the 8th, 9th and 11th Earls. Assumed the Earldom 1534 to the exclusion of his great-nephew James FitzMaurice, 12th Earl; described in 1535 as 'an old man' who spoke very good English; 'He d. at a great age, in the Abbey of Tralee (having assumed the habit of a Dominican friar), in June 1536.' m. More da. of Donogh O'Brien of Carrigogunnell. Father of James FitzJohn, 13th Earl (I99152), '2nd but 1st surv. s. and h. male'. RING 26 Oct 2026 - James FitzJohn was previously a top. 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). [DIRECT ANCESTOR OF THE COMPILER: flag added 26 Oct 2026 by walking the tree from Aynsley, so that this marker is reliable and can be searched.]