Helicopter joins in search for man

A GARDA helicopter is expected to join in the search for a missing man who is believed to be wandering around in a disorientated state in an isolated part of north-east Cork.

Garda search parties and volunteers combed woodland and fields as concern heightened for the welfare of Diarmait MacCartaigh.

The 28-year-old left his home at Riesk, Ballincurrig, which is four miles north-east of Midleton, last Monday morning without his medication. Superintendent Flor Horan, leading the search, said gardaí were seeking the public’s help in locating Mr MacCartaigh.

“He hasn’t had his medication for a number of days and naturally we are concerned for his well-being. He may be disorientated as a result of not taking the medication,” he said.

Garda divisional search units and the Garda dog unit swept an area near Castlelyons following a suspected sighting of the missing man at around 3pm last Thursday.

The sighting was said to have been made at O’Leary’s Cross, half a mile south of the village.

Gardaí have also searched fields and woodland in Bartlemy and around Mr MacCartaigh’s home at Ballincurrig. Gardaí have described the missing man as approximately 5ft 8ins tall, thin and with a pale complexion.

He was last seen wearing dark-coloured, baggy trousers, which gardaí believe may be covered in a lot of mud.

Mr MacCartaigh, who has a beard and dark, curly shoulder-length hair, was also wearing a dark-coloured jumper.

Gardaí, who are carrying out a number of house-to-house inquiries, want to speak to anybody who may have given a lift to anybody fitting Mr MacCartaigh’s description.

“We are appealing to people to keep an eye out for this man and we’d like farmers to check their fields and outbuildings,” Supt Horan said.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Midleton gardaí at [phone].