Mourners pay tribute to ‘gentle giant’ killed in Killarney launderette blast

The irony of how a gentle person who loved peace and nature could die in a terrifying gas explosion that ripped through his launderette was reflected upon by mourners at his dignified funeral service yesterday.

They heard a priest and the brother of the late James Gleeson, 59, speak touchingly of his easy ways, his love of family, sense of caring for others and his deep-felt attachment to his native Killarney, Co Kerry.

“He has gone from this earthly paradise he greatly enjoyed to one that is eternal and more beautiful” — words of consolation from his brother, Donagh.