Limerick soldiers assisting Gardaí in search for missing Kerry man

SOLDIERS attached to the 12th infantry battalion at Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick City began assisting Gardaí in the ongoing search for Michael Gaine (56), who was reported missing from his home near Kenmare, County Kerry, on March 21.

Up to 50 members combined from the 12th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Kilkenny, were assisting An Garda Síochána in searches on open lands.

“These lands are rough, open ground and at higher altitude and the experience and discipline of trained personnel is appropriate to assist in carrying out these searches,” a Garda spokesman said.

In a fresh appeal for assistance in tracing Mr Gaine, Gardaí said: “Michael was last seen in Kenmare town on Thursday 20th March 2025.”

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Michael bought phone credit in Centra, Kenmare, at 9.48am. He then left in his bronze RAV4, registration 152 KY 366, which was found parked in (his) farmyard, just off the N71 at Carrig East.

“Michael’s family have had no contact from him and his family and An Garda Síochána are extremely concerned for his wellbeing,” Gardaí said.

Gardaí released a description of Mr Gaine as being “approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall with a stocky build, brown/grey hair, and a bushy beard”.

“When last seen, Michael was wearing an orange woolly hat, black fleece, blue jeans, and black boots,” they added.

Gardaí thanked those who had already assisted them in searching for Mr Gaine and added that they were “not requesting the assistance of the general public for further searches, at this time”.

“However, Gardaí continue to want to speak to any person who travelled on the N71 on Thursday 20th March, after 09.48am and/ or any person who may have any camera footage, including dashcam or CCTV, or any other images (video or still) from Thursday 20th March and Friday 21st March in the Kenmare town / Moll’s Gap (N71/ R568) area to provide that imagery to the Garda investigation team,” a spokesperson said.

Anyone with information on Mr Gaine’s whereabouts is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.