Gardaí searching for Kieran Quilligan begin search of Little Island area

Kieran Quilligan, 47, hasn’t been seen since he left a homeless shelter in Cork more than three weeks ago

Kieran Quilligan. Picture: Garda Info

Gardai investigating the disappearance of Kieran Quilligan, who was reported missing from Cork City three weeks ago, have begun searching open land and shoreline in the Little Island area of Cork.

The search operation got underway earlier today almost a week after gardaí issued a specific and urgent appeal for public assistance tracing him amid growing fears for his safety and wellbeing.

Garda search teams were deployed in the Courtstown area of Little Island, with their activity focused on fields and along the shoreline next to Courtstown Industrial Estate.

It is understood that the search operation was mounted following the receipt of certain information.

Mr Quilligan, 47, hasn’t been seen since he left a homeless shelter in Cork more than three weeks ago.

He was reported missing on the evening of Friday, September 1.

In a public appeal last Sunday, Det Supt Mick Comyns said that gardaí were very anxious to hear from Mr Quilligan himself or from anyone who may have any information about his whereabouts because gardaí were growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.

Mr Quilligan, who is originally from Baker’s Road in Gurranabraher on the city’s northside, left Cork Simon’s emergency shelter on Anderson’s Quay in Cork City centre at around 8.30pm on September 1 in the company of another man.

Gardaí have been able to establish that Mr Quilligan then proceeded to Sullivan’s Quay and on to Proby’s Quay near St Fin Barre’s Cathedral.

An examination of CCTV footage from the area has established that Mr Quilligan went up the steps at St Finbarr’s place but there is no sighting of him exiting the steps at the top of St Finbarr’s Place on to Fort Street.

Last Saturday, gardaí searched the area, which included a search of a derelict house near the top of the steps at St Finbarr’s Place but they found no trace of Mr Quilligan.

They have spoken to the man who accompanied Mr Quilligan to this area, and they have examined Mr Quilligan’s phone which has shown no activity since September 1.

“As a result of our investigations to date, we are very concerned for Kieran’s safety and wellbeing,” Det Supt Comyns said last week.

“My appeal firstly is to Kieran himself – if he hears this appeal, we would ask him to contact his family, his friends or An Garda Síochána to let us know he is safe and well.

“I am also appealing to any member of the public who was in this area – at St Finbarr’s Place, Proby’s Quay or Fort’s St between 8.30pm and 9.30pm and even if they feel they have nothing to provide to the gardaí, we would still like to speak to them.”