Gardaí continue search for Kieran Quilligan at Little Island
Garda search teams spent much of Tuesday searching farmland and bodies of water on that farmland in the Courtstown area of Little Island. Picture: Dan Linehan
Gardaí investigating the disappearance of Kieran Quilligan from Cork city more than three weeks ago say they will continue their searches of lands in Little Island until they are satisfied that the area has been searched extensively.
The major search operation, which began last Friday, could continue for at least another two days, and possibly more, a garda spokesman said. Garda search teams spent much of Tuesday searching farmland and bodies of water on that farmland in the Courtstown area of Little Island.
The searches involved the deployment of garda search teams and garda dogs on ground search operations, and the use of drones for the aerial assessment and closer inspection of inaccessible areas.
And while it is understood that, as of Tuesday, nothing of evidential interest has been discovered, gardaí are conducting daily reviews of progress and say they will continue searching until the area is fully covered. Mr Quilligan was also the subject of a specific appeal on Crimecall on RTÉ on Monday.
The major search operation began last Friday, almost a week after gardaí issued a specific and urgent appeal for public assistance tracing Mr Quilligan amid growing fears for his safety and wellbeing. Searches focused initially on open land and shoreline next to Courtstown Industrial Estate.
A garda spokesperson declined to comment on what, if any, specific information had led them to that area, but it is understood that the operation is intelligence-led.
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 almost two weeks ago, 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.
Gardaí have searched the area, including 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 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.”
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