Gardaí 'recommence operations' near farmyard where Michael Gaine went missing

Gardaí have “recommenced operations” on land near the farmyard where Michael Gaine went missing in Co Kerry eight weeks ago.

In a statement this morning, a garda spokesperson said: 

"Gardaí at Killarney Garda Station continue to investigate the disappearance and homicide of Michael Gaine (56), who was reported missing from his home near Kenmare, Co Kerry, on Friday, 21st March 2025.

"As part of the investigation, operations resumed at lands in Carrig East, Kenmare, Co Kerry on Friday evening 16th May 2025 and a crime scene has now been declared.

"The Garda Technical Bureau and the Office of the State Pathologist have been requested to attend the scene."

Pending examinations by both the Garda Technical Bureau and the State Pathologist, the spokesperson said An Garda Síochána is not in a position to provide further information at this time.

The investigation is ongoing. 

Mr Gaine was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on Friday, March 21.

He was last seen the previous day in Kenmare town buying phone credit in the Centra shop at 9.48am.

Mr Gaine was wearing an orange beanie hat, black fleece, jeans and black boots.

His bronze Toyota Rav4 was discovered in his farmyard – off the N71 at Carrig East – with his wallet and phone inside.

Army troops and the Garda Water Unit were involved in search efforts, and checkpoints were held a week after his disappearance to help gather information that would aid the investigation.

On April 29, almost six weeks after Mr Gaine vanished, the case was upgraded to a homicide inquiry. 

Gardaí said that “based on the entirety of the information available to the investigation team” a decision had been made to reclassify the missing person inquiry.