The search is ongoing for missing Kerry farmer Michael Gaine, who has not been seen in over two weeks, reports Breaking News.
The 56-year-old was last spotted on Thursday, March 20th, purchasing phone credit at a Centra store in Kenmare.
Mr Gaine is described as around 5ft 10in tall, with a stocky build, brown and grey hair, and a thick beard, reports Breaking News.
At the time he was last seen, he was wearing a black fleece, blue jeans, black boots, and an orange wool hat.
He was driving a bronze Toyota RAV4 with registration 152 KY 366, which was later located in his farmyard near the N71 at Carrig East.
The search efforts have mainly been centred in the Carraig East area of Kenmare, but no signs of Mr Gaine have been found so far, reports Breaking News.
Earlier this week, the Defence Forces joined the operation to assist in the search.
About 50 soldiers from the 12th Infantry Battalion in Limerick and the 3rd Infantry Battalion in Kilkenny have been helping gardaí, reports Breaking News.
A number of objects were recovered from a cave during the investigation on his property, though their significance is still unknown.
Checkpoints have remained in place across Kerry since his disappearance.
Mr Gaine’s disappearance has shocked the local community, as many describe it as completely out of character for him, reports Breaking News.
As a result, significant resources have been mobilised to aid in the search.
Jason Fleming, head of the Kerry branch of the Irish Farmers’ Association, said Mr Gaine was a “sheep and beef farmer, and a great one at that”, adding that many members of the IFA were taking part in the search. “We’d be hopeful that Mike will be found safe and sound,” he told Radio Kerry, reports Breaking News.
Local councillor Dan McCarthy told the Irish Times: “He would be well-known as a farmer. The family would be farming all their lives.
“He was in the shop every morning for a cup of tea and a chat. And he’s like a big brother to my son,” reports Breaking News.
Gardaí say they have no indication that Mr Gaine was considered vulnerable, though they are not ruling out foul play at this stage.
They are asking the public to share any footage or images from the Kenmare or Moll’s Gap areas (N71/R568) taken on Thursday, March 20th, or Friday, March 21st.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Killarney Garda Station or any Garda station, reports Breaking News.
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