Lady Offaly had also despatched an appeal for help to the FitzGeralds, but the letter fell into the enemy’s hands instead, who at once renewed the siege when they learnt of her straits.
As the English forces advanced the besiegers skirmished and retreated. The relieving party supplied the fortress with food and ammunition, but at Lady Offaly’s request she remained in the castle.
The following October she was again attacked by Charles Dempsie, but this time was shortly relieved by Sir Richard Grenville, and after this she retired to Cole’s Hill, in Warwickshire, where she died in 1658.
Her eldest son, Lord Digby, inherited the castle, and it is still in the family’s possession.
| Authorities Consulted. |
| Marquis of Kildare, “Earls of Kildare.” |
| J. Wright, “King’s County Directory.” |
| State Documents. |
| Carew MSS., including Book of Howth. |
| Parliamentary Gazetteer. |
| Hore, “Rental Book of Gerald, 9th Earl of Kildare,” and “Notes on a Fac-Simile of an Ancient Map of Leix,” both in Journal of Royal Society of Antiquaries, Ireland. |
GLENARM CASTLE.