Gerald FitzGerald, 9th 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. His family, the FitzGeralds, were influential in the region, and he inherited the title after the death of his father, the 8th Earl. Kildare was known for his involvement in the Kildare rebellion against English rule, which aimed to assert Irish autonomy. His tenure as Earl was marked by conflicts with the English crown, leading to his eventual imprisonment. He died in 1585, leaving a legacy of resistance against English dominance in Ireland.