ABSTRACT
After Lionel's departure Gerald, Earl of Desmond, ruled the colony for two years. Then a fresh attempt was made to strengthen and restore the Anglo-Irish state. England was now in a state of bankruptcy, discontent, and division because of the growing failure of the war in France and the imbecility of the ageing King. Money and troops on a sufficient scale could not be spared for Ireland, which was in danger of being lost; but a determined viceroy pledged to strong measures could still be found.
