UPDATE: Gardaí call off search for missing Cork man (55) after body found  

UPDATE: Gardaí have called off the search for Michael Kearns, who had been missing from West Cork since December 30, after a body was found on New Years Day.

"Following the discovery of a body yesterday evening, Sunday 1st January 2023, the missing person appeal in respect of 55-year-old Michael Kearns who went missing from Kealkill, Co. Cork, has been stood down," a spokesperson said this morning. "No further information is available at this time.

"An Garda Síochána would like to thank the public and media for their assistance in this matter." 

SUNDAY: Gardaí are appealing for help from the public to trace the whereabouts of a 55-year-old man who went missing from Kealkil in Cork on Friday afternoon.

55-year-old Michael Kearns was last seen leaving his home in Kealkil at approximately 3pm on Friday, 30 December, in a 171D registered white Peugeot Partner van.

Michael is described as approximately 5ft 11” in height and of thin build with short fair/grey hair.

Michael’s family are concerned for his wellbeing, and have requested Garda assistance in locating him.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bantry Garda Station on (027) 20860, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.