The “Great Earl” Of Desmond

Above : Earl Of Desmond Use To Lived In These Place

Thomas, Earl of Desmond, the victor of Piltown, was next year appointed Lord Deputy (1463). He enjoyed at once the confidence of all sections amongst the Irish and Anglo-Irish and the favour of the King. The latter conferred much power upon him, and he became so influential that he is called the “Great Earl of Desmond.” He was a man of much learning and many accomplishments, and a great patron of Gaelic poets and scholars. He founded a college at Youghal, and endeavoured to create a University at Drogheda, but this was prevented by his death. The new officials established by the Talbots had been opposed to Desmond as previously to Ormonde, and had endeavoured, without success, to undermine his influence with the King. While he was clouded by his defeats at the hands of O’Connor and O’Brien he used some imprudent language regarding the Queen, and this was utilised by his enemies. Through the influence of the angry Queen, Tiptoft, Earl of Worcester, was appointed Deputy in his place, and he and the Earl of Kildare were charged at a Parliament in Drogheda with alliances and fosterage with the Irish. Desmond came to Drogheda, and was immediately seized by Tiptoft and executed (1467). Kildare went to England and extenuated himself, whereupon he returned, and with Desmond’s sons, ravaged the Pale with fire and sword. He was bought off, appointed Chancellor, and next superseded Tiptoft as Deputy. From that time all official power was almost continuously in the hands of the Kildare family for 65 years (1468-1533).