The Murder of Moll McCarthy

The Murder of Moll McCarthy

From Red Room by Jenny Claffey

May 11, 2026 · 34 min · Season 9 · Episode 6

About this episode

The episode explores the murder of Moll McCarthy and the wrongful conviction of Harry Gleeson, highlighting themes of injustice and community silence.

In 1940, Mary “Moll” McCarthy was found shot dead in a field in rural Tipperary. Within months, Harry Gleeson, the farm labourer who reported her body to Gardaí, was convicted and hanged for her murder. Decades later, the Irish State admitted his conviction was unsafe, leaving behind the story of two victims, one unsolved murder, and a community shaped by silence. Written and hosted by Jenny Claffey. Researched by Karl O’Reilly. Source Time to right injustice that cost two lives 73 years ago | Irish Independent Ireland's most infamous murder: 11 facts about the killing of Moll McCarthy and execution of innocent man Harry Gleeson Prime Time - Hanged Man Scannal tells the story of Harry Gleeson - Tipperary Live Harry Gleeson: A pardoned man finally laid to rest Leaving Mountjoy, 83 years on: Harry Gleeson's remains are brought home Hanged After a Trial He Couldn’t Understand, and Pardoned 136 Years Later - The New York Times Two men executed in Ireland 1883 given presidential pardon History: The story of Harry Gleeson and Moll McCarthy - Tipperary Live Murder at Marlhill, New Inn, Tipperary « Thurles Information . To access bonus weekly episodes of Red Room join Patreon HERE Hosted…

People in this episode

Host: Jenny Claffey

Topics covered

  • murder
  • injustice
  • Irish history
  • true crime
  • community impact

Keywords

  • Moll McCarthy
  • Harry Gleeson
  • murder
  • wrongful conviction
  • Irish history
  • Gardaí
  • Tipperary

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Gardaí, Irish Independent, Prime Time, New York Times

Places: Tipperary

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