Michael Gaine search: Gardaí renew appeal after taking 100 witness statements 

Gardaí have also recovered approximately 1,500 hours of CCTV/dash-cam footage from houses and vehicles in and around Kenmare

A camera in Kenmare captured Mr Gaine wearing a distinctive orange woolly hat, black fleece, blue jeans, and black boots.

Gardaí have undertaken nearly 230 formal enquiries and taken almost 100 witness statements in their ongoing search for missing Kerry sheep farmer Michael Gaine.

In a renewed appeal for information, gardaí said they have also recovered approximately 1,500 hours of CCTV/dash-cam footage from houses and vehicles in and around Kenmare.

The Kenmare-based 56-year-old has been missing since he was last seen in a Centra supermarket in the town on the morning of March 20.

An in-store camera filmed him wearing a distinctive orange woolly hat, black fleece, blue jeans, and black boots. Mr Gaine is described as being approximately 5'10" tall with a stocky build, brown/grey hair and a bushy beard.

He was in there to buy phone credit and — among other things — a lunch roll.

A short while later, he walked out into the car park, got into the bronze Toyota RAV4 jeep he was driving at the time of his disappearance, and drove to his farm near Moll’s Gap, between Kenmare and Killarney. The jeep's registration number is 152 KY 366.

He is understood to have driven past the house he shared with his wife, Janice, in Carhoomeengar East, three kilometres from Kenmare, before heading straight to his family’s old farmhouse along the Ring of Kerry route.

Mr Gaine's phone and wallet were later found in the jeep.

A Garda spokesperson said in a renewed appeal for information on what is the third week of his disappearance that gardaí have carried out extensive searches and enquiries.

There have been daily searches since March 22 centred on Mr Gaine's farmyard at Carrig East, Kenmare, surrounding lands, water sources and roads.

Officers and detectives have been assisted by the Civil Defence (Kerry and Cork), Irish Coast Guard Units (Glenderry and Iveragh), Irish Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 115, Kerry Mountain Rescue, Search and Rescue Dog Team, Kerry Fire Service and 200 civilian volunteers.

Volunteers from Clare Civil Defence have also assisted in the search.

Defence Forces and gardaí searching the farm of Michael Gaine. Picture: Dan Linehan

Further assistance has also been provided by the Irish Defence Forces since April 1.

This involves both permanent and reserve members from the 12th Infantry Battalion, Limerick, the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Kilkenny and the 1st Field Engineer Company, Cork.

Gardaí have also deployed the Garda Water Unit, Divisional Search Teams and members undertaking investigative actions including statement taking and CCTV/ dash-cam collection.

A Garda spokesperson said: "An Garda Síochána continues to keep Michael’s family informed and support his family through a Family Liaison Officer.

"Despite the extensive enquiries carried out so far An Garda Síochána has not discovered what happened to Michael on the 20th March 2025.

"Michael’s family have still had no contact from him and his family and An Garda Síochána are extremely concerned for his well-being.

"The missing person’s investigation into the disappearance of Michael Gaine is ongoing and active."

They added: "Gardaí are seeking information from anyone who can assist us in bringing Michael back to his family."

Gardaí continue to want to speak to anybody who travelled on the N71 between March 20 and March 21 in the Kenmare town / Moll’s Gap (N71/ R568) area and who might have any CCTV or dash cam footage.

They should contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.