'A Geraldine Re:Union in Glin Castle'

IN THE year 1440, during the height of Italy's Renaissance, the Signoria in Florence sent a letter to Limerick, heralding the arrival of a young Florentine named Giovanni Gherardini.

This letter of recommendation was addressed to James FitzGerald, 6th Earl of Desmond, at Desmond Hall in Newcastle West.

The letter read; “…if the claim that has been reported concerning you be true, that your progenitors were Florentine in origin, descended from the most noble and most ancient family of the Gherardini, one of the most excellent and preeminent families of our city, we rejoice and congratulate ourselves exceedingly… that the Florentines rule in Ireland.”

The Gherardini had helped establish Florence as a City State Republic in 1115 and are immortalised in the writings of the famous poet Dante.

The Signoria in Florence originally heard about the family's supposed connection to Ireland from Maurice FitzMaurice, son of the 6th Lord Kerry. FitzMaurice visiting Florence in the year 1413 recalled a peculiar story. According to FitzMaurice his family along with FitzThomas and FitzGerald were descended from the Gherardini of Tuscany!

A story 500 years in the making, couldn't be left any longer to hear-say. Re:Story decided to investigate Limerick's connection to Renaissance Italy further.

Today, a branch of the family lives in Italy and is called Geraldini. Their family have passed down this age old Irish tale for generations!

Re:Story sent an invitation to the Geraldini family, hoping to organise a visit to Ireland, and in May welcomed Mr. Alessandro Geraldini from Rome to our historic city.

Alessandro was treated to a customary tour of the Milk Market, followed by a tour of Desmond Hall in Newcastle West given by Professor Declan Downey of UCD. Professor Downey, stirred the spirits of Desmond Hall, reading the famous letter from Florence for the first time in 580 years.

The letter was read in Latin and English, but we are no closer to an answer now as they were back then!

Next, the Askeaton Civic Trust gave Mr. Geraldini a history of Askeaton Castle and shared a lively debate over tea and freshly baked cakes!

Alessandro was warmly welcomed to Glin Castle by Catherine FitzGerald, daughter of Desmond, the late Knight of Glin. Catherine’s family have lived in Glin for 700 years and brought Alessandro on a tour of the enchanting Castle and magnificent gardens.

Following a stroll through the woods along the Knights walk, the historic evening was brought to a fitting end with Harp music by the fire side.

Despite much research and debate, no definitive clue emerged to solve the age-old mystery.

Fortunately, Gerard Corcoran, Director of Ireland’s Society of Genetic Genealogy, offered an opportunity to reveal further insight by facilitating a DNA test.

As we await the results, a big thank you to Professor Declan Downey, Askeaton Civic Trust, Catherine and Olda Fitzgerald, Gerard Corcoran and Alessandro Geraldini for helping to bring Limerick’s truly incredible history back to life.

For more, see restory.ie/

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