The Earls of Desmond had three major allied and interrelated branches with each one having a hereditary knighthood denoted by colour.
Although Robert Fitzgerald's father was Earl of Desmond, neither the hereditary knighthood or the earldom had passed to him yet.
Robert was took the surname 'Adare' after the town near his father's lands back in Ireland, or by some accounts where the duel, occurred.
Robert Adare watched over Dunskey Castle for several days until Currie came out one evening.
Robert followed Currie, and engaged the pirate in mortal combat, slaying him at the head of Colfin Glen.