President Michael D Higgins is to officially pardon a man who was given the death sentence for a murder 75 years ago.

Harry Gleeson will be pardoned after an independent review found that there were 'deficiencies' in his conviction.

Mr Gleeson was put to death in 1941 for the murder the previous year of Mary 'Moll' McCarthy in Marlhill, Co Tipperary.

An independent review has found that Mr Gleeson had a reasonable alibi for the date on which Mary McCarthy died, and that crucial evidence was withheld from the jury.

The Irish Innocence Project found that the prosecution withheld information that showed a discrepancy in their case relating to a gun register.

It also showed that gardaí encouraged witnesses to submit false statements, and that they beat a witness during questioning.

David Langwallner, director and founder of the Irish Innocence Project said in January: "Nothing can adequately comfort those who have fought to exonerate Harry Gleeson but this posthumous pardon and the clearing of the good name of Mr Gleeson is a proud moment for everyone involved."

Having reviewed the trial transcripts and exhibits, which they got from the National Archives, the Irish Innocence Project sought the pardon under Section 9 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

The government has now accepted the advice of the Attorney-General that Mr Gleeson should be pardoned, and will ask the president to exercise that power.