Update: Search for missing Limerick man stood down following discovery of body

Update: The search for John McSweeney has been stood down.

John McSweeney. Picture: Garda Info

Update, 10.15pm: The search for a Limerick man who has been missing for just over a week has been stood down.

Gardaí confirmed the search for 73-year-old John McSweeney following the discovery of a body in Athea today.

An Garda Síochána thanked the public for their assistance with the matter.

Update, 7.50am:

Gardaí have appealed for the public to come forward with any information ahead of fresh searches for a missing Limerick man.

John McSweeney has been missing from missing from his home in Athea since the afternoon of January 6.

Over the last week, gardaí with assistance from the Coast Guard, Civil Defence and other volunteer search organisations have conducted searches of land and forestry in the Knockaclugga area of Athea.

A further search is planned for 10am on Sunday morning commencing at Knockaclugga, Athea, Co. Limerick - V94 D2H6.

John is described as being approximately 5' 7" in height, slim build, bald and has a missing front tooth.

When last seen John was wearing a black coat, a black peaked cap and wellington boots.

Gardaí are appealing to land owners and people who may have buildings / out houses or persons with vacant dwellings in nearby areas to check them to see if they have been used or might assist gardaí in locating John.

Any road users who were travelling in the Athea / West Limerick areas on the afternoon of January 6 and may have seen a lone male walking or anything else which may have drawn their attention, is asked to contact gardaí.

Anyone with any information on John’s whereabouts is asked to contact Newcastle West Garda station on 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.