Grand-nephew of posthumously pardoned man criticises error

The grand-nephew of Harry Gleeson, the first person in Irish history to be awarded a posthumous pardon, has criticised the Government for using the wrong name on the instrument.

Harry Gleeson was executed in 1941 after being convicted of the murder of Mary McCarthy, but recent analysis of evidence proved that Mr Gleeson had a valid alibi for the murder.

A pardon was granted in April and signed by President Michael D Higgins before Christmas.

The pardon states: “Now I, Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, on the advice of the Government, pardon the said Harry Gleeson in respect of the said conviction, and wholly remit the sentence imposed as if he had not been so charged or convicted.”

However, it has been branded as “nothing short of a disgrace” by Vincent Phelan, Mr Gleeson’s grand-nephew, who told the Irish Independent that the pardon “bears the wrong name”.

He explained that Harry Gleeson was legally named Henry Gleeson, and said this was the name that should have appeared on the pardon.

Mr Phelan added: “The pardon is not in his correct name. You cannot pardon a non-entity.”

The State has not yet issued a response.