Family and friends search for missing Limerick woman

Family and friends of a missing Limerick woman, aged 35, have been searching hundreds of acres of land and kilometres of coastline in the hope of finding some trace of her.

Mystery surrounds the disappearance of Maria Hennigar, who was reported missing last Tuesday when a neighbour became concerned at having not seen her for some time.

Ms Henigar, a freelance filmmaker originally from Limerick, had been living in the Doolin area for the past six months but had not been seen for at least a fortnight.

It is thought that Ms Henigar was last seen at Doonmacfelim, Doolin, sometime in the first week of November, while it is understood her bank card was last used on November 8.

Gardaí issued a public appeal for help and confirmed Ms Henigar had lived alone and kept to herself, which is most likely why she was not missed sooner.

Members of Clare Civil Defence were requested by gardaí to assist in the search by deploying their drone technology.

The Ennis-based volunteers have been using the drones to search the coastline, country roads, streams, and other areas inaccessible by searchers on foot.

Family and friends began a search in the Doolin area on Friday, however nothing was found.

It is understood that Ms Henigar cycled a lot in the area. However, there has been no sighting of her bicycle either.

On Saturday morning, members of the Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard co-ordinated searches of the area around Doolin as well as the coastline along the Cliffs of Moher.

Members from Killaloe Coast Guard and Limerick Land Search Team also joined the search effort.

Yesterday, the search was further expanded north and south of Doolin to Fanore and Lahinch.

Ms Henigar is described as being 5’ 7” in height, with brown hair, blue/green eyes, and of medium build.

Anyone who may have seen Ms Henigar or may know of her whereabouts is asked to contact Ennistymon Garda station on 065 7072180, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.