DIGS have continued at the Co Kerry farm of Mike Gaine as cops search for the missing sheep farmer.
Gardai also placed a number of checkpoints at junctions around Kenmare today in an attempt to jog the memories of people who may have been on those roads a week ago before Mike suddenly vanished.
The popular 56-year-old was last seen in the Centra supermarket buying phone credit at around 10am last Thursday morning.
Searches and excavations have been carried out at Mike’s farmyard and over acres of rough terrain in the vicinity of the remote farm after the local community turned out in large numbers to help with the search.
Superintendent David O’Callaghan of Tralee Garda Station, who is leading the investigation, said Gardai want to speak to anyone who travelled on the road between Kenmare and Moll’s Gap on the Ring of Kerry last Thursday, in particular those who have dash cam or phone footage.
Superintendent O’Callaghan said: “Michael, who also goes by Mike, was last seen in Kenmare town, on this day last week, Thursday, March 20.
“Michael bought phone credit in the Centra in Kenmare at 9.48am. Michael then left in his bronze coloured RAV4 registration 152 KY 366.
This vehicle was found parked in his farmyard, just off the N71 at Carrig East. It is now one week since the last sighting of Michael Gaine. Michael’s family have had no contact from him and his family and Gardai are extremely concerned for his well-being.
“Michael is described as being approximately 5ft 10ins tall with a stocky build, brown/grey hair and a bushy beard. When last seen, Michael was wearing an orange woolly hat, black fleece, blue jeans and black boots.
“Searches have been carried out at Michael’s farmyard and in the immediate vicinity. An Garda Siochana continues to work with and is fully supported by other state and voluntary agencies in our ongoing efforts to locate Michael.
“An Garda Siochana wishes to thank members of the public who assisted in carrying out searches on open land last weekend.
“Gardai is not requesting the assistance of the general public for further searches at this time.”
‘TOUGH FEW DAYS’
The search for the missing man, which is being carried out by the local Civil Defence and members of Kerry Mountain Rescue, resumed this morning.
Fine Gael councillor Teddy O’Sullivan Casey told Radio Kerry that Mr Gaine is very well-liked and respected in the community.
He said: “It has been a very tough few days. You can only imagine the torture his wife Janice and his sisters and their families are going through at the moment and our thoughts and prayers are with them all.
“All we can do really is hope and pray that there will be a positive outcome.
“A large search started immediately after word went out that he was missing. Mike was always there. He was big in to his farming and machinery. He was always in good form and he was always there to help people.
“When the call came, people had no hesitation in helping out.”
