'We want him back': Family shattered as search for Michael Gaine turns to homicide case

As Gardaí confirm they are now treating Michael Gaine’s disappearance as a homicide, his wife and sister plead for answers from anyone who may know what happened

The wife and sister of missing Kerry farmer Michael Gaine, who Gardaí fear is dead, have issued an emotional appeal for information on his disappearance.

In a video statement issued through Gardaí today, Mr Gaine’s wife, Janice, said: “We just want Michael to come home. We want to know what happened to him, because if we can’t find Michael, I just don't know what I'm going to do.” 

His sister, Noreen, said their lives have been shattered.

Janice said: “He was my best friend, my husband. This whole thing has been devastating.

"He loved his home. He loved his farm. He loved farming. He loved his animals. He loved rallying. He had lots of friends. He was a very popular guy and his disappearance is totally out of character, but we knew that from day one.

“If there is anybody that has any information about Michael, do please come forward and talk to the gardaí."

His sister, Noreen O'Regan, described Michael as a loving husband, brother, and uncle.

“His nieces and nephews loved him. We are absolutely heartbroken at what has happened. We are devastated. Our lives are shattered,” she said.

“We want answers. We love Michael. We want him back.

“I'm appealing to anyone with any information about what happened to Michael. He went to the farm on March 20, it was his routine to check his animals, but he never returned home. We are devastated and we want him back.” 

The video statement was issued on Wednesday after Gardaí confirmed on Tuesday that they have reclassified the missing person’s case as a homicide case, and insisted that there are people out there who know what happened to Mr Gaine.

A formal criminal investigation is now underway as gardaí try to establish how, where, when and why Mr Gaine died, and if he was murdered or was the victim of manslaughter.

Mr Gaine, aged 56, a sheep and cattle farmer, was reported missing from his home near Kenmare, on Friday, March 21.

He was last seen in Kenmare town on Thursday, March 20, buying phone credit in a local Centra.

A massive Garda investigation was launched and over the last six weeks, the investigation team, led by a senior investigating officer at Killarney Garda Station, has undertaken over 320 formal jobs or enquiries, taken nearly 130 witness statements, recovered approximately 2,200 hours of CCTV or dash cam footage, and conducted extensive searches.

Those searches have involved specialist units and equipment supplied by state and other agencies but so far, they have all failed to locate Mr Gaine.

Gardaí said his disappearance is completely out of character and entirely at odds with his pattern of behaviour established by the investigation to date.

Based on the entirety of the information available to the investigation team so far, a decision was made by the team at Killarney Garda station on Tuesday to reclassify the missing person investigation as a homicide investigation.

In a statement on Wednesday, gardaí issued another appeal for help.

"An Garda Síochána appeal to any person who may have any information about what happened to Michael on Thursday, 20th March 2025 to contact the Garda Investigation Team.

A Garda stands in front of Michael Gaine s Farm in Kenmare, Michael was reported missing from his home near Kenmare. Picture: Domnick Walsh

"There is a person or persons who know what happened on the 20th of March 2025.

"If you have not been in a position to speak to An Garda Síochána about the information you have, or have already spoken to An Garda Síochána but have more information that you can provide - An Garda Síochána is appealing to you to come forward with that information.

"Information received will be treated in the strictest confidence.

An Garda Síochána continues to keep Michael’s family fully informed on the status of the investigation and supported through a Family Liaison Officer, as they come to terms with this update.”

The Garda Investigation Team can be contacted at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or by speaking with any member of An Garda Síochána at any Garda Station nationwide.