Ireland Posthumously Pardons Two Men Executed in 1883

Overview

• Sylvester Poff and James Barrett were executed in 1883 for the murder of Thomas Browne in County Kerry, Ireland.
• A recent expert review concluded their convictions were unsafe, prompting the Irish Department of Justice to recommend pardons.
• President Higgins signed the pardons at a ceremony attended by descendants and government officials, aiming to bring closure to the families.
• The case was marked by unreliable witness testimony and procedural issues, including a 'packed jury' and lack of direct evidence.
• This pardon marks only the fourth instance of a historical conviction being overturned in Ireland's history.