Gardaí have confirmed that the search for 56-year-old Michael Gaine who was reported missing from his home near Kenmare in Co. Kerry has been stood down for the evening and is expected to resume tomorrow (Sunday, March 23) morning.

Gardaí also said that both they and Michael Gaine's family are concerned for his well-being, he was first reported missing on Friday (March 21 ).

According to gardaí, Michael Gaine, who also goes by Mike, was last seen in Kenmare town at approximately 11:00am the day before (Thursday, March, 20).

He is described as being approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall with a stocky build, brown/grey hair and a bushy beard.

Gardai added: "When last seen, Michael was wearing an orange woolly hat, black fleece, blue jeans and black boots.

An intensive multi-agency search operation, which included the Irish Coast Guard, was conducted today (Saturday, March 22) in an area near Kenmare.

Volunteers from Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) and the Kerry Civil Defence also supported gardaí and the Irish Coast Guard.

Missing person searches are one of the most regular call-outs for Civil Defence volunteers across the country.

Civil Defence teams have access to extensive drone capability and as a result can quickly search challenging areas including along shorelines. In many cases these teams can also access thermal imaging capability.

KMRT also confirmed in a social media post that it was assisting gardaí in the search for Michael Gaine in an area near Kenmare.

"If anyone has seen this man over the past few days or if you have any information, please contact Killarney Garda Station," it urged.

KMRT is a voluntary rescue team, currently made up of 35 active members, that provides a 24-7-365 on call mountain rescue service in the mountains of southwest Ireland.

All team members are qualified to Advanced Rescue Emergency Care (REC) First Aid Level.