McDowell pays tribute to gardaí involved in Cork search

Justice Minister Michael McDowell has paid tribute to the gardaí involved in the search for 11-year-old Robert Holohan, whose body was found on Wednesday in Co Cork.

Hundreds of gardaí, soldiers and volunteers had been involved in the search for the schoolboy since his disappearance on Tuesday of last week.

His body was found on Wednesday in dense undergrowth near Inch Strand, more than 10 miles from where he went missing near his home on the outskirts of Midleton.

Gardaí have now launched a murder investigation and have identified 30 potential suspects they are hoping to interview in the coming days.

Senior detectives involved in the investigation are also meeting today to decide whether to release the results of a post mortem on the youngster's body.

In a statement to the media today, Mr McDowell said the Government appreciated the work of gardaí involved in the operation and also emphasised the need for ongoing co-operation from the public to help with the investigation.

Meanwhile, Enterprise Minister Micheal Martin, who is a TD for Cork, today expressed his sympathy for the Holohan family.

Speaking in Dublin, Mr Martin said: "My sympathies go out to the family, to his parents Mark and Majella and to the entire community in Midleton.

"It is fair to say that this has shaken the entire community, not just in Midleton and Cork, but throughout the country.”