Harry Gleeson, wrongfully executed for a crime he didn’t commit 83 years ago, was justly laid to rest in his birthplace on a recent Sunday, his own violin providing a poignant soundtrack. The state had issued a posthumous pardon for Gleeson in 2015, acknowledging his unwavering claims of innocence.
Carried from Holycross Abbey, the coffin’s departure was marked by the strains of “Danny Boy”, played on Gleeson’s German violin by Anthony Condron, a relative by marriage. His execution had taken place in Mountjoy Prison in 1941, during the years when he held, and played, the instrument.
The burial site was in the nearby St Michael and St Mary’s Cemetery, with the crowd applauding as the coffin was committed to the earth. Atmosphere-setting tunes included The Coolin, Carolan’s The South Wind, and Slievenamon. After the grave was filled, a more upbeat tone was adopted as Condron performed two hornpipes, Boys of Blue and Harvest Home, eliciting clap-alongs from the gathered mourners.
During the ceremony, Gleeson’s grandniece, Ann, shared the contents of the final letter her granduncle penned to his lawyer, Seán MacBride, the evening before his unjust execution. He appealed for clarity surrounding the crime he was being falsely accused of, expressing fervent hope that the actual perpetrator would be exposed. Harry refused to make a false confession, adamant that his innocence would prevail.
Echoing the words of her wrongful convicted granduncle’s last letter, and against the melancholic effect of the violin, Ms Gleeson made a moving appeal to turn tears into smiles and celebrate “truth, justice and peace at last.”
Prayers were offered for Mary “Moll” McCarthy during the funeral Mass. McCarthy, an unmarried mother of seven children by six men, was the true victim of the crime for which Gleeson was falsely accused. Both families requested that her life be commemorated. McCarthy was killed nearby her home in New Inn, Co Tipperary on the night of the 20th or 21st of November, 1940.
Father Celsus Tierney, the principal celebrant, reflected on the wrongdoing in our past, a grim and gloomier times, where church and state failed to defend justice. He commented on the ease of evaluating people from the past, and considered the possibility of a future where we might be scrutinised for our actions towards the homeless, immigrants, and other defenceless groups.
Father Tierney highlighted that Gleeson was remembered for being the recipient of the first posthumous pardon in the history of the state, stating that justice was served, albeit 74 years later. He expressed gratitude to the campaigners and public servants who exceeded their duty to identify and release the remains for reburial, and hoped for Harry Gleeson to find peace at last. This statement was followed by applause from the crowded abbey.
Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly of Cashel and Emly read from the Gospel of St Matthew, which included the statement: “Blessed are those who yearn for righteousness for they shall be fulfilled.” The congregation was inclusive of Harry’s niece, Kitty Gleeson, who was only six at the time of his death and had little recollection of him or the subsequent events due to the limited discussion around the incident. She was nonetheless thankful to have lived long enough to witness this day.
Present in the Holycross assembly was local representative Michael Lowry, who rejoiced the day as extraordinary and wondrous. He admired and thanked the dedicated campaigners who fought for justice for many years and appreciated the State’s admission of its mistake and its rectification thereof. Denis Byrne, now 90 years old and son to two of McCarthy’s children, was also in attendance. His father, a former neighbour to McCarthy, had expressed regret to Denis before his passing for his involvement in the prior incidents.
Margaret Heaphy, who offered her voice in song at the funeral, gifted those present with a personal ballad she penned about Gleeson. She performed this to the melody of Kevin Barry, beside the burial plot. The Galbertstown Waltz, an ode to the deceased’s birthplace, also filled the air. This was expertly delivered on the accordion by Tom Doran.
Condron, addressing those assembled at the graveside, mentioned that the fiddle had previously been briefly interred to protect it during the Garda’s inquiry into McCarthy’s felony. This was during a time when suspects’ abodes were being probed and belongings apprehended.
The instrument, a copy of the renowned Stradivarius, would have required Gleeson to give up what he would have earned in “two months” to purchase. Time had not been kind to it. It had lay untouched for many years, but it still had the capacity to produce charming melodies that warranted full refurbishment.
“We’re fortunate to possess it,” supplemented Condron.