Rebellion of the Desmonds

Above: Map of Tralee, Ireland

Desmond, with his brother John and Baltinglass, who had joined them, were encamped near Tralee, but they remained inactive ; though that, with the defeat of the foreign expedition, their last hope of success was bound to vanish, they must well have known. They may have intended marching to the help of the Spaniards, when the unexpected surrender of the fort disorganised their plans. Some months after (1581), John Fitzgerald was slain in a skirmish by one Thomas Fleming.

Above: Map of Leinster

In Leinster, meanwhile, another insurrection had broken out under the leadership of James Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass. Baltinglass had some personal grievances: he had been fined for attending Mass, and he alleged, besides, that he could not admit the title of the Queen to be regarded as Head of the church. Fiach Mac Hugh O’Byrne, the powerful Wicklow chief, joined him, and they lurked amongst the mountains, waiting for a favourable opportunity to attack the English forces. This opportunity was soon afforded them by the imprudence of the new Deputy. In spite of the advice of those of his officers who were experienced in Irish wars, he started out against the enemy, marching his army through the valleys of the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. At length they reached Glenmalure, a narrow valley, bordered on both sides by steep hills.

Above: The English Viceroy

The Lord Deputy was somewhat uncertain what course the Earl of Desmond would adopt. In order to encourage him to persevere in loyalty, he sent to him two English officials named Davells and Carter. These men were resting for the night at an inn near Tralee, when the younger brothers of Desmond, John and James Fitzgerald, forced their way into the house and slew them in cold blood. After this they betook themselves with their followers to their cousin, James Fitzmaurice, who expressed great indignation at the atrocious and perfectly useless crime which they had committed.