Gardaí call off search for missing Cork man after body found

Michael Kearns was last seen leaving his home in Kealkil at around 3pm last Friday in a Dublin-registered Peugeot van

Michael Kearns has been missing from his West Cork home since last Friday.

Gardaí have called off the search for Michael Kearns, who had been missing from West Cork since December 30, after a body was found on New Years Day.

Mr Kearns was last seen leaving his home in Kealkil at approximately 3pm last Friday in a 171D-registered white Peugeot Partner van.

His family were said to be concerned about his wellbeing.

A statement on Monday morning confirmed that the search had been stood down after the discovery of a body.

It read: "Following the discovery of a body yesterday evening, Sunday 1st January 2023, the missing person appeal in respect of 55-year-old Michael Kearns who went missing from Kealkill, Co. Cork, has been stood down.

"No further information is available at this time.

"An Garda Síochána would like to thank the public and media for their assistance in this matter."