Missing: Concern Grows for Kerry Farmer as Search Efforts Expand
Disappearance
Friday 28th, March 2025
3 minute read.
Gardaí in County Kerry have intensified their search for 56 year old farmer Michael "Mike" Gaine, who has now been missing for over a week. Checkpoints have been set up across the Kenmare area as authorities and volunteers continue to search for any sign of his whereabouts.
Michael was last seen on Thursday, 20 March, at 9:48 am in Centra, a shop in Kenmare town, where CCTV footage recorded him purchasing phone credit. After leaving the shop, he drove away in his bronze coloured Toyota RAV4, registration 152 KY 366. His vehicle was later found parked at his farmyard in Carrig East, just off the N71.
Concerns for Wellbeing
Speaking at a public appeal in Kenmare, a Garda spokesperson expressed deep concern:
Superintendent Dave Callaghan reiterated the urgency of the search, stating:
Search Efforts Intensify
To aid the investigation, Gardaí have established multiple checkpoints in the Kenmare area and are urging the public to assist by providing any relevant information. Officers are particularly keen to receive any footage, including CCTV or dashcam recordings, from the Kenmare town and Moll’s Gap areas (N71/R568) taken on 20 or 21 March.
Michael is described as being approximately 1.78 metres tall, of stocky build, with brown-grey hair and a bushy beard. On the day he disappeared, he was wearing an orange woolly hat, a black fleece, blue jeans, and black boots.
Community members and various rescue teams have been working tirelessly alongside Gardaí. Around 200 volunteers have joined the search, with support from the Irish Coast Guard, Civil Defence, Kerry Mountain Rescue Team, and specially trained Garda units. Despite extensive efforts, including the use of drones and sniffer dogs, no major breakthroughs have yet been reported.
Appeal for Public Assistance
Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Michael or has any information regarding his movements to come forward. In particular, Gardaí are appealing for any images or videos captured in the Kenmare or Moll's Gap areas on the days in question.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Killarney Garda Station at +353 64 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or their nearest Garda station.
Michael was last seen on Thursday, 20 March, at 9:48 am in Centra, a shop in Kenmare town, where CCTV footage recorded him purchasing phone credit. After leaving the shop, he drove away in his bronze coloured Toyota RAV4, registration 152 KY 366. His vehicle was later found parked at his farmyard in Carrig East, just off the N71.
Concerns for Wellbeing
Speaking at a public appeal in Kenmare, a Garda spokesperson expressed deep concern:
“It is now one week since the last sighting of Michael Gaine. Michael’s family have had no contact from him and his family and An Garda Síochána are extremely concerned for his well-being.”
Superintendent Dave Callaghan reiterated the urgency of the search, stating:
“Michael's family have had no contact from him, and his family and An Garda Síochána are extremely concerned for his well-being.”
Search Efforts Intensify
To aid the investigation, Gardaí have established multiple checkpoints in the Kenmare area and are urging the public to assist by providing any relevant information. Officers are particularly keen to receive any footage, including CCTV or dashcam recordings, from the Kenmare town and Moll’s Gap areas (N71/R568) taken on 20 or 21 March.
Michael is described as being approximately 1.78 metres tall, of stocky build, with brown-grey hair and a bushy beard. On the day he disappeared, he was wearing an orange woolly hat, a black fleece, blue jeans, and black boots.
Community members and various rescue teams have been working tirelessly alongside Gardaí. Around 200 volunteers have joined the search, with support from the Irish Coast Guard, Civil Defence, Kerry Mountain Rescue Team, and specially trained Garda units. Despite extensive efforts, including the use of drones and sniffer dogs, no major breakthroughs have yet been reported.
Appeal for Public Assistance
Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Michael or has any information regarding his movements to come forward. In particular, Gardaí are appealing for any images or videos captured in the Kenmare or Moll's Gap areas on the days in question.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Killarney Garda Station at +353 64 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or their nearest Garda station.
