Defence Forces join search for missing Kerry farmer
Members of the Defence Forces have today (Tuesday, April 1) joined the search for missing Co. Kerry farmer, Michael Gaine.
Michael Gaine, who is also known as Mike, was reported missing from his home near Kenmare, on Friday (March 21).
The 56-year-old sheep and suckler farmer was last seen in Kenmare town, on Thursday, March 20.
Michael bought phone credit in Centra, Kenmare at 9:48a.m. An image of the farmer captured on CCTV in the shop has been circulated by gardaí.
Michael then left in his bronze-coloured RAV4, registration 152 KY 366. This vehicle was found parked in Michael’s farmyard, just off the N71 at Carrig East.
Since then, extensive searches in the local area have been carried out by gardaí, state and voluntary agencies, and members of the public.
The Garda Water Unit has also undertaken search operations local lakes and a quarry.
Gardaí conducted number of checkpoints in the Kenmare area to speak with local people in a bid to gather more information about the missing man.
Searches have been carried out at Michael’s farmyard and in the immediate area, and it is understood that slurry tanks at the farm were drained as part of the search.
It has now been confirmed that Irish Defence Forces personnel will be assisting gardaí in their search.
"Up to 50 members combined from the 12th Infantry Battalion, Limerick and the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Kilkenny will assist An Garda Síochána in searches on open lands over the coming days.
"These lands are rough, open ground and at higher altitude, and the experience and discipline of trained personnel is appropriate to assist in carrying out these searches," a garda spokesperson said.
Gardaí added that they are not requesting the assistance of the general public for further searches, at this time.
"Michael’s family have had no contact from him and his family and An Garda Síochána are extremely concerned for his well-being.
"Michael is described as being approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall with a stocky build, brown/grey hair and a bushy beard.
"When last seen, Michael was wearing an orange woolly hat, black fleece, blue jeans and black boots," the spokesperson added.
Gardaí continue to want to speak to any person who travelled on the N71 on Thursday, March, 20 after 09:48a.m.
They have also appealed to anyone who may have any camera footage, including dashcam or CCTV, or any other images (video or still) from Thursday, March 20 and Friday, March 21 in the Kenmare town/Moll’s Gap (N71/ R568) area to provide that imagery to the garda investigation team.
Anyone with information on Michael's whereabouts is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
