Gerald FitzGerald, 17th Earl of Kildare, was an Irish nobleman born on December 24, 1950. He succeeded to the title of Earl of Kildare in 1976, following the death of his father, Maurice FitzGerald, 16th Earl of Kildare. The FitzGerald family has a long history in Ireland, with roots tracing back to the medieval period. The 17th Earl has been involved in various charitable activities and has served in different capacities within the Irish community. He is known for his commitment to preserving the heritage of the FitzGerald family and promoting cultural initiatives in Ireland.