Gerald FitzGerald, 12th Earl of Kildare, was an Irish nobleman born in 1525. He was a prominent figure in the Irish nobility during the 16th century and played a significant role in the political landscape of Ireland. As the head of the FitzGerald family, he was involved in various conflicts and power struggles, particularly against the English crown. He became the Earl of Kildare in 1534, succeeding his father, Thomas FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Kildare. Gerald's tenure was marked by his efforts to maintain the influence of his family in Ireland amidst growing tensions with the English government. He died in 1585, leaving a legacy that impacted the history of Ireland.