Investigation into disappearance of Michael Gaine in Kerry upgraded to murder

Gardaí have upgraded the investigation into the disappearance of Kerry farmer Michael Gaine to a murder investigation.

Mr Gaine has been missing since Thursday, March 20th, when he was last seen in Kenmare.

As part of the investigation, gardaí have undertaken over 320 formal jobs/enquiries, along with nearly 130 witness statements.

2,200 hours of CCTV/Dash Cam footage has also been recovered.

He is described as being approximately 5ft 10in, of a 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.

Mr Gaine left in his bronze-coloured RAV4 registration 152 KY 366, which was later found parked in Mr Gaine’s farmyard, just off the N71 at Carrig East.

Despite the extensive enquiries carried out so far, An Garda Síochána have not recovered Michael's remains.

Gardaí are seeking information from anyone who can assist us in bringing Michael back to his family.

An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone who may have any information about what happened to Michael on Thursday, 20th March 2025 to contact the Garda Investigation Team.

There are person or persons who know what happened on the 20th of March 2025.

If you have not been in a position to speak to An Garda Síochána about the information you have, or have already spoken to An Garda Síochána but have more information that you can provide, An Garda Síochána is appealing to you to come forward with that information.

Information received will be treated in the strictest confidence.

The Garda Investigation Team can be contacted at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or speak with any member of An Garda Síochána at any Garda Station nationwide.