GARDAI in Kenmare have made an appeal to local cycling clubs in the ongoing search for missing farmer Michael Gaine.
The 56-year-old was last seen on Thursday March 20, 2025 in his local Centra store.
The farmer was reported missing the following day on March 21, 2025 and has not been seen or heard from since.
Despite weeks of high profile searches by multiple agencies no trace of the Kenmare local or clues as to what may have happened have been uncovered.
Now, over a month on from his disappearance Gardai have issued a new appeal to cycling groups in Kerry.
They are looking to speak to any cyclists who may have been in the area surrounding Michael’s farm on March 20, 2025.
Michael’s car was discovered at his farmyard just off the N71 at Carrig East with his phone and wallet inside, indicating he returned to the farm after he left Centra in Kenmare before 10am on Thursday March 20
Gardai are hoping someone who was in the area on that morning may be able to aid their ongoing search.
A garda statement for local clubs said: “As part of the investigation in relation to the disappearance of Michael Gaine, Killarney gardai 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.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Killarney Gardai on 064 667 1167.
The appeal is consistent with Gardai’s ongoing request to speak to anyone who was in the areas of Molls Gap and the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks after 10am on the morning of Michael’s disappearance.
They have requested anyone with dash-cam or video footage or any images from the area to be made available to investigators.
And the Defence Forces are continuing to aid the search for the 56-year-old farmer.
Fifty members from the 12th Infantry Battalion, Limerick and the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Kilkenny began searches in Kenmare on April 1.
The army personnel were brought in to carry out searches of rougher terrain and bogland around Michael’s farm and the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks.
And the Defence Forces have now confirmed an Engineer Specialist Search Team from 1 Brigade Engineer Group has joined in the army search efforts in Kenmare.
ONGOING OPERATION
Prior to this Michael’s farmland had been extensively searched, land excavated, slurry tanks emptied and lakes, streams and quarries were searched by divers.
Drones were used to obtain a better view of the farm and surrounding lands and hundreds of volunteers alongside gardai carried out land searches.
Despite these efforts Michael, also known as Mike, remains missing.
He is described as being 5ft 10in, with a stocky build, brown/grey hair and a bushy beard.
When last seen he was wearing an orange woolly hat, black fleece, blue jeans and black boots.
