BOOK LAUNCH
Patrick Butler: Fighting Fitzgerald – The turbulent life and terrible death of a Mayo legend, George Robert Fitzgerald
Launch by Dr Eamon Smith
Tuesday, 8th October
Festival Dome, 7pm
Known as ‘Fighting Fitzgerald’, the famous duelist George Robert Fitzgerald was one of the most colourful and dangerous personalities of the Ireland of the mid-1700s. A small man – a larger than life character – he was considered part genius, part madman. Ultimately, he was wholly tragic.
Patrick Butler’s book is based on extensive research and contains new, previously unpublished material. It seeks to clarify the narrative that lies behind the legends that have grown up and flourished around an extraordinary man.
About ‘Fighting Fitzgerald’
George Robert Fitzgerald was born with all the privileges of high social status, great wealth, intelligence, and good looks, whose career ended on the gallows.
Through his mother he was related to the Hervey family, the Earls of Bristol, who had a long record of service as royal courtiers to the Hanoverian kings and the British aristocracy. By marriage he was allied with the rich, influential Conolly family of Castletown House, Celbridge, County Kildare. With such powerful connections, he had entrée to the highest ranks of society in Ireland, England, and France.
He strode across the stage of Mayo, Dublin, Paris, Florence, Brussels, Rome, and London, dominating attention. He ran through his rich wife’s fortune on their honeymoon; cheated at the gaming table with French royalty; and became part of the dawning celebrity culture of London. Equally capable of savage brutality and exquisite courtesy, his capricious, arrogant ways and uncounted duels earned him the fear and hatred of men; but the women in his life adored this ‘fascinating creature’.
He became involved in a bitter feud with his father and brother over the control of the vast Fitzgerald estate in County Mayo, during which he took his father prisoner, tied him to a bear, kept him in a cave, fortified his own house with cannon from a shipwreck and defended it with his own militia. He was sent to prison, but with his connections, not for long.
A small man, a larger-than-life character, he was considered part genius, part madman. Ultimately, he was wholly tragic. When he came into his inheritance, he proved to be a model landlord, though highhanded.
The final episode of this mercurial, erratic, tempestuous life was Fitzgerald’s involvement in the murder of Patrick Randal McDonnell, a neighbouring small landowner and attorney, and long-time adversary. In 1786, George Robert Fitzgerald stood trial in Castlebar, and was found guilty. This time he was beyond the help of his connections, and was summarily hanged – twice: for at the first attempt the rope broke. He was only 38.
This book is based on extensive research and contains new, previously unpublished material. It seeks to clarify the narrative that lies behind the legends that have grown up and flourished around an extraordinary man.
Booking info: With the exception of Friday night (pre-booking essential), all events at this year’s festival are on a first come, first served basis. As some venues have limited availability, we'd recommend arriving early to secure a seat. All events are free of charge.