Description given of missing Limerick man

Gardaí in Co Limerick have issued a description of a young man who has been missing since the early hours of Sunday morning.

Ricky Loughnane, aged 18, from Dromtrasna, was last seen after he had been out socialising in Abbeyfeale on Saturday night.

He is described as five foot nine inches in height, of slim build, with short dark gelled hair and wears a stud piercing above his left eyebrow.

When last seen, he was dressed in a black t-shirt, dark jeans and runners.

Gardaí and members of the Garda Dog Unit were backed up by dozens of local people and the Shannon air/sea rescue helicopter today as the massive search continued into a third day.

The teenager was last seen at around 4am on Sunday morning near Meanheala Creamery on the road from Abbeyfeale to Tournafulla.

Gardaí said that Ricky had walked past his home by at least a quarter of a mile when the last sighting was reported.

Gardaí have appealed to all farmers in the area to search their land and outhouses in case the missing teenager sought refuge from the cold weather conditions.

Superintendent Tom Gavin from Newcastlewest, who is leading the investigation, said the teenager may have been disorientated following a night of drinking but added that his disappearance was out of character.

"There's no reason known to us why Ricky would remain away from home for so long, because he was getting on very well with his parents.

"It's completely uncharacteristic for him to stay away like this."

Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information on Ricky's whereabouts to contact them on 068 30010.