Searches continue for Kerry farmer missing since last week

Searches are continuing in Co Kerry for a farmer missing since late last week.

Michael Gaine was last seen on Thursday, with CCTV footage showing him buying phone credit in a Centra near Kenmare.

His farm remains sealed off and on Tuesday equipment was brought in to empty slurry tanks on the property.

Mountainous terrain in the area has also been extensively searched, with up to 200 locals volunteering to help.

Gardaí had no indication Mr Gaine was vulnerable or at risk in any way and his disappearance is regarded as completely out of character.

A very significant search operation was stepped up over the weekend in a bid to comb lands where Mr Gaine may have fallen and injured himself while tending to his animals.

The Garda has also committed a range of resources to the case, including examining the missing man’s property and taking vehicles away for forensic examination in the event the inquiry may become criminal in nature.

Jason Fleming, chair of the Irish Farmers’ Association in Kerry, said Mr Gaine was a “sheep and beef farmer, and a great one at that”, adding many members of the association were concerned and had joined the search for him. “We’d be hopeful that Mike will be found safe and sound,” he told Radio Kerry.

Amid growing concern for Mr Gaine’s welfare, gardaí have released a CCTV still image of him buying mobile phone credit at a Centra store in Kenmare at 9.48am on Thursday. He was seen minutes later in Kenmare, which appears to be the last confirmed sighting of him.

Mr Gaine was described as being about 5′10″ in height and of stocky build, with brown/grey hair and a “bushy beard”. When last seen, he was wearing an orange woolly hat, black fleece, blue jeans and black boots.

An appeal for information issued by Garda Headquarters said Mr Gaine’s family, and investigating gardaí, were “extremely concerned” for his safety. They have asked anyone who may have been in contact with him, or seen him, late last week to come forward.

Gardaí in Killarney are especially keen to speak to anyone who may have been driving in the area of Kenmare town and Moll’s Gap last Thursday or Friday and who may have dash cam footage.