John Butler of Kilcash facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Butler
Ruin of Kilcash Castle
Died	10 May 1570
Family	Butler dynasty
Spouse(s)	Katherine MacCarthy Reagh
Issue Detail	Walter & others
Father	James Butler, 9th Earl of Ormond
Mother	Joan FitzGerald, Countess of Ormond

John Butler of Kilcash (who died in 1570) was an important Irish landowner and soldier. He was a younger son of James Butler, 9th Earl of Ormond and the brother of Thomas Butler, 10th Earl of Ormond. John was given Kilcash Castle to manage as his own property.

He played a part in the big conflict between the Desmond and Ormond families. In 1563, he was seriously hurt just before the Battle of Affane. John Butler was the ancestor of the Kilcash branch of the Ormond family. He was also the father of Walter Butler, 11th Earl of Ormond.

Early Life and Family

John was born around 1537 in southern Ireland. He was the third son of James Butler and his wife Joan Fitzgerald. His father was the 9th Earl of Ormond.

His father's family, the Butler dynasty, were known as "Old English." This meant they were descendants of Normans who came to Ireland many centuries ago. They were led by Theobald Walter. He was appointed Chief Butler of Ireland by King Henry II in 1177.

John's mother was a daughter of James FitzGerald, 10th Earl of Desmond. Her family, the FitzGeralds of Desmond, were also "Old English." John had six brothers.

Kilcash Castle and His Father's Death

On May 26, 1544, when John was still a young boy, his father gave him Kilcash Castle. This was a special gift called an appanage. It meant the castle and its lands were for John to control. This is why he was known as "John Butler of Kilcash." The tower house at Kilcash was likely built around this time.

Just over a year later, on October 28, 1546, John's father died suddenly in London. He had been poisoned during a dinner. This was probably arranged by Anthony St Leger, who was a political rival. John's oldest brother, Thomas, then became the 10th Earl of Ormond.

Marriage and Children

John Butler of Kilcash married Katherine MacCarthy Reagh. She was the daughter of Cormac na Haoine MacCarthy Reagh, 10th Prince of Carbery. Katherine was also the sister of Donal, who later became known as Donal of the Pipes, 17th Prince of Carbery.

John and Katherine had four children. They had two sons:

• James Butler, who died without having children before September 1576.
• Walter Butler, 11th Earl of Ormond (1559–1633), who was known as "Walter of the Beads."

They also had two daughters:

• Joan, who married Sir Oliver Shortall.
• Eleanor, who married Thomas Prendergast. Their son, James Prendergast, was killed in 1627.

Conflict with the Desmonds

Much of John Butler's life involved a big feud his family had with the Earls of Desmond. The Desmonds were the Ormond family's neighbors to the west and south. Even though they were enemies, both families were "Old English" and had married into each other many times. John's own parents were an example of this, as his mother was a Desmond FitzGerald.

These conflicts were part of the larger Tudor conquest of Ireland. In 1560, John's mother helped to prevent a battle at Bohermore. This event became known as "the battle that never was."

In 1563, John was badly injured in a fight with the Desmonds. It was not clear if he would recover. Because of his injuries, he could not fight in the Battle of Affane. This battle happened on February 8, 1565, shortly after his mother' passed away. John's stepfather, Gerald FitzGerald, 14th Earl of Desmond, was captured in the battle. This happened after John's brother, Edmund, shot him in the hip. After this, John's eldest brother, Lord Ormond, and Lord Desmond were called to London. They promised to keep the peace between their families.

Desmond Rebellions

Because of his injuries, John Butler could not fight in the Desmond Rebellions. These rebellions began in 1569. They were started by James FitzMaurice FitzGerald, who was the leader of the Desmond forces. Many Irish people in southern Ireland supported him. Some of John's own brothers, especially Edmund, also joined the rebellion. The rebellion was against Henry Sidney, who was the Lord Deputy of Ireland.

John's brother Thomas, Lord Ormond, returned to Ireland in July 1569. After he arrived, his rebellious brothers quickly gave up.

However, in April 1570, Edmund, Edward, and Piers were declared "attainted" by the Irish Parliament. This meant they lost their rights and lands. Because of this, Edmund could no longer be Ormond's heir. John, as the next brother, became the heir for about a month.

Death

John Butler died on May 10, 1570, at Kilcash. He was buried in Kilkenny. After his death, John's eldest son, Walter, became the next heir. James fitz Maurice FitzGerald surrendered in February 1573, and Gerald followed in September. This brought an end to the first Desmond rebellion.

Timeline