Update: Specialist Army Team Joins Search for Missing Kerry Farmer
Disappearance
Today (5 hours ago)
3 minute read.
The investigation into the disappearance of 56-year-old Kerry farmer Mike Gaine has entered its sixth week, with Gardaí enlisting the help of cycling clubs in the area and Defence Forces continuing a detailed search operation.
Mr Gaine was last seen on the morning of 20 March in Kenmare, Co Kerry, where he was captured on CCTV purchasing phone credit at a local Centra shop at 9.49am. He was driving a bronze-coloured Toyota RAV4, registration 152KY366, which was later found parked at his farmyard off the N71 at Carraig East, just outside Kenmare.
The search for Mr Gaine has centred around his 405-hectare (1,000-acre) farm and surrounding rugged terrain extending towards Molls Gap and the River Finnihy. The area is known for its mountainous and boggy landscape, which has made progress slow and difficult.
Gardaí have described the case as “unique and challenging”. Despite extensive efforts, no significant findings have been reported.
A specialised Defence Forces engineering team has been assisting the operation for nearly three weeks. Up to 50 personnel from the 12th Infantry Battalion, Limerick, and the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Kilkenny, have been deployed since 1 April. The team includes an Engineer Specialist Search Team (ESST) from the 1 Brigade Engineer Group.
According to Garda sources, the Defence Forces have the training and equipment required to access areas otherwise unreachable by standard search parties. “They are particularly specialised in rough and boggy terrain,” one source stated, noting their ability to cut back heavy overgrowth. High-definition drone footage has also been utilised in the search.
As part of ongoing inquiries, Gardaí have appealed to local cycling clubs for assistance. In a statement, they said: “As part of the investigation in relation to the disappearance of Michael Gaine, Killarney gardaí would appreciate if you could please canvass with members of your club to see if they cycled the Molls Gap Road from Kenmare to Killarney on this date please.”
Cyclists who were in the area on 20 March are being urged to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1167.
Mr Gaine’s phone and wallet were found in his vehicle, and Gardaí have confirmed that all possibilities remain under consideration. While foul play has not been ruled out, no evidence of a crime has emerged.
The farmer’s disappearance has been described by those close to him as completely out of character. He is described as approximately 1.78 metres tall (5ft 10in), of stocky build, with brown and grey hair and a bushy beard. At the time he went missing, he was wearing an orange woolly hat, a black fleece, blue jeans and black boots.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Mr Gaine was last seen on the morning of 20 March in Kenmare, Co Kerry, where he was captured on CCTV purchasing phone credit at a local Centra shop at 9.49am. He was driving a bronze-coloured Toyota RAV4, registration 152KY366, which was later found parked at his farmyard off the N71 at Carraig East, just outside Kenmare.
The search for Mr Gaine has centred around his 405-hectare (1,000-acre) farm and surrounding rugged terrain extending towards Molls Gap and the River Finnihy. The area is known for its mountainous and boggy landscape, which has made progress slow and difficult.
Gardaí have described the case as “unique and challenging”. Despite extensive efforts, no significant findings have been reported.
A specialised Defence Forces engineering team has been assisting the operation for nearly three weeks. Up to 50 personnel from the 12th Infantry Battalion, Limerick, and the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Kilkenny, have been deployed since 1 April. The team includes an Engineer Specialist Search Team (ESST) from the 1 Brigade Engineer Group.
According to Garda sources, the Defence Forces have the training and equipment required to access areas otherwise unreachable by standard search parties. “They are particularly specialised in rough and boggy terrain,” one source stated, noting their ability to cut back heavy overgrowth. High-definition drone footage has also been utilised in the search.
As part of ongoing inquiries, Gardaí have appealed to local cycling clubs for assistance. In a statement, they said: “As part of the investigation in relation to the disappearance of Michael Gaine, Killarney gardaí would appreciate if you could please canvass with members of your club to see if they cycled the Molls Gap Road from Kenmare to Killarney on this date please.”
Cyclists who were in the area on 20 March are being urged to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1167.
Mr Gaine’s phone and wallet were found in his vehicle, and Gardaí have confirmed that all possibilities remain under consideration. While foul play has not been ruled out, no evidence of a crime has emerged.
The farmer’s disappearance has been described by those close to him as completely out of character. He is described as approximately 1.78 metres tall (5ft 10in), of stocky build, with brown and grey hair and a bushy beard. At the time he went missing, he was wearing an orange woolly hat, a black fleece, blue jeans and black boots.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
