Search for missing Limerick man stood down

A search operation is under way to find Joe Noonan, who is missing from Granagh

Joe Noonan, 62, is missing from his home in Granagh, Co Limerick

Update 2pm: The missing person search for Joe Noonan has been stood down following the discovery of a body. 

Gardaí have thanked the public for their assistance.

Earlier: A search operation is under way to find a 62-year-old man who is missing from his home in Granagh, Co Limerick.

Gardaí are seeking the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Joe Noonan, who was reported missing from his home on Wednesday.

He was last seen in Granagh in the early hours of Tuesday.

Mr Noonan is described as being about 5ft9in in height. He has a medium build, short grey hair and blue eyes. When last seen, he was wearing a grey knee-length coat, a black beanie hat and was carrying a backpack. 

It is understood Mr Noonan often carries a Limerick GAA umbrella. 

"It is believed that Joe may have travelled to the Croom area," said a Garda spokesperson.

As his family is concerned for his welfare, volunteers in Limerick have been rallying in a bid to bring Mr Noonan home. In Granagh, people gathered on Thursday morning in Granagh Hall to continue the search.

On a community page, a call for help was posted on Wednesday night, as temperatures plummeted down to -7C in some areas.

"Searches for Joe are to begin from the hall in Granagh at approximately 10am tomorrow [Thursday] morning. Anyone available, have suitable clothing and footwear as conditions are very difficult [and] are more than likely to worsen overnight. A search plan will be decided upon tomorrow morning by Inspector Thompson. Any help will be greatly appreciated," read the post.

People have also been asked to look in sheds and outhouses. 

Anyone with information on Mr Noonan’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.