Lady Adelaide Jane Frances Forbes

Lady Adelaide FitzGerald (1860 – 18 November 1942) was an active member of the Wexford community, supporting children's welfare. She and her husband were the last people to reside in Johnstown Castle, after her death it became part of an agricultural college. Throughout her adult life she actively participated and led efforts to help the poor, those needing medical care, abused animals, and more. Personal life Born Adelaide Jane Frances Forbes, she was the eldest daughter of George Hastings Forbes, 7th Earl of Granard and Countess Jane Forbes (née Jane Colclough Grogan-Morgan of Johnstown Castle). She was born at Castle Forbes, Newtownforbes, County Longford in 1860. Her sister Sarah married Lord Henry Grattan-Bellew, becoming Lady Sarah Grattan Bellew, and lived at Castle Forbes. The Earl of Granard was her half-brother (the son of George Hastings Forbes, 7th Earl of Granard and Viscountess (née Frances Mary Territt) Forbes). She came to live at Johnstown Castle following her marriage in April 1880 to Lord Maurice FitzGerald (1852-1901), second son of Charles FitzGerald, 4th Duke of Leinster. They required and received a dispensation from the Pope (Leo XIII) because Lady Fitzgerald was Roman Catholic and Lord Fitzgerald was a Protestant. They agreed to raise their children as Catholics. Lord Maurice served in Sir Edward Hornby's squadron after eight years in the Navy. He lived in Carton House until his marriage. Lady Fitzgerald and her husband produced four children: Geraldine (1880-1954), Gerald Hugh (1883-1914), Kathleen (1892-1930) and Marjorie (1896-1899).