Luke Plunkett, 1st Earl of Fingall

Who is Luke Plunkett, 1st Earl of Fingall?

Lucas More Plunkett of Killeen, County Meath was the elder son of Christopher Plunkett, 9th Baron Killeen, and Jenet, daughter of Sir Lucas Dillon. He succeeded to the barony in January 1613.

He married first Elizabeth O'Donnell, daughter of Rory O'Donnell, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell. He married secondly Susannah, daughter of Edward Brabazon, 2nd Earl of Meath. He married thirdly Eleanor, daughter of Dudley Bagenal. He married fourthly Margaret, daughter of Nicholas St Lawrence, 9th Baron Howth.

By his second wife Susannah he had two sons: Christopher, who succeeded as 2nd Earl, and George, from whom later Earls of Fingall were descended; and a daughter, Eleanor, who married Andrew Nugent.

He was conferred as Earl of Fingall by King's letter of 26 September 1628,"on account of the good testimony which the King had received as to his honour and virtue, and for the encouragement of his continuance in such courses."

He was granted 2400 acres in County Cavan; he was one of the founders of the town of Virginia, County Cavan. He sat on the Lords Committee for Privileges.