Thomas FitzGerald, 2nd Earl of Kildare

Thomas FitzJohn FitzGerald, 2nd Earl of Kildare, Lord Offaly (died April 9, 1328) was a noble in the Peerage of Ireland and Lord Justice of Ireland.

The eldest son of John FitzGerald, 1st Earl of Kildare, Lord Offaly, by his spouse Blanche, daughter of John, Lord Fermoy, the second earl was appointed commander of 30,000 men to fight Edward Bruce and the Scots. But with Roger, Lord Mortimer landing about the same time at Youghall the engagement was deferred until his force could also join them; but Bruce was in the meantime defeated and killed, in 1318, putting an end to the Scottish kingdom in Ireland.

In 1320 Thomas, 2nd Earl of Kildare was appointed Lord Justice of Ireland, reconfirmed in February 1326, and office he held until his death two years later at Maynooth.

He was interred in the Franciscan Friary at Kildare.

The second earl had married at Greencastle, County Down, on August 16, 1312, Joan (d. April 23, 1359), third daughter of Richard de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster, and had issue:

• John FitzGerald (1314–1323)
• Richard FitzGerald, 3rd Earl of Kildare (c. 1317 – 7 July 1329), died at Rathangan. He was buried on the right-hand side of his father.
• Maurice FitzGerald, 4th Earl of Kildare

References

• Lodge, John, & Archdall, Mervyn, A.M., The Peerage of Ireland, Dublin, 1789, vol.1, p.79.