Gerald FitzGerald, 16th Earl of Kildare, was an Irish nobleman born on December 24, 1947. He succeeded to the title of Earl of Kildare in 1976, following the death of his father, Maurice FitzGerald, 15th Earl of Kildare. The FitzGerald family has a long history in Ireland, with roots tracing back to the medieval period. Educated at Trinity College Dublin, Gerald FitzGerald has been involved in various business ventures and charitable activities. He is known for his interest in heritage conservation and has worked to promote the history of the Kildare region. The Earl has also been active in local community affairs.