Parents’ plea for news of missing son

THE parents of a young American man missing for more than 18 months who may be in Ireland have offered a €45,000 reward for information.

Matthew Mullaney, 22, went missing in Italy in February 2003 after leaving an Irish bar in Florence. But his parents Michael and Terri believe their son, who was fiercely proud of his Irish roots, may have travelled to Ireland. The reward is being offered for information which safely leads to locating the young man.

There have been several reported sightings of Matthew, in Galway, Westport, Dublin and, most recently, in Maynooth in April. He is reported to have entered Ireland through Dublin Port on July 23, 2003, his family said.

Matthew, who has a flaming shamrock tattoo at the base of his neck, had spoken of visiting Ireland to friends in Florence, where he attended art college.

His parents, from Massachusetts, said: “Our hope is that he is just taking time to figure out what he wants to do with his life. All we are seeking is proof of his well-being.”

Matthew is 5’10”, medium-built, with dark brown hair and hazel eyes.