Cork search and rescue group appealing for information on man reported missing in Cork last August

A search and rescue group in Cork has appealed for information as they attempt to solve the mystery of what became of a father of three who disappeared without trace after he discharged himself from hospital following an epileptic episode six months ago.

John Keaveney (43) from Dublin was last seen on CCTV footage in the early hours of August 21, 2023 in the vicinity of Páirc Ui Chaoimh in Cork.

Mr Keaveney had been on holiday with his family in East Cork when he experienced an epileptic episode.

He was transferred by ambulance to Cork University Hospital on August 19. He was kept in overnight.

However, John discharged himself from hospital on August 20.

He was last seen on August 21 at about 1.30am by the Circle K petrol station on Centre Park Road in the city.

Appeal to public 

Philip Johnston of Mallow Search and Rescue has appealed to the public for assistance as they continue to search for the much-loved family man.

He told the Opinion Line on Cork’s 96FM that they are hoping to jog the memory of someone who may have seen John when he was in a disorientated state.

“A friend of ours saw John that night up around MacCurtain Street. She saw this man who was disorientated with a hospital band on his wrist. It was just an observation.

"And I am wondering if anyone else has a recollection of something like that. Seeing him on Centre Park Road or the Marina or even further afield. Any little point that somebody could say. Report it. There are so many places he could be.

"He was unsure of himself on his feet (on CCTV). He was trying to charge his phone at the pump in the petrol station. He was very disorientated.” 

Mr Johnston said that the Keaveney family are desperately trying to figure out what became of John.

“They (his family) are hoping that he can be found one way or another.

"The Keaveney family are lovely people. I spoke to John’s mother at a mass at Christmas time for missing people. She just looked at me this lovely mature older woman and said ‘where did he go to? I go to bed every night saying ‘John where are you?’ It must be a living nightmare for them.

"We have done river searches. We have done searches on the shoreline down as far as Cobh. We used a remote-operating vehicle as recently as last Saturday on the river. We are not giving up hope. It is just absolutely baffling.

"Cork Missing Persons have been out as well to be fair to them. We have searched everywhere.

"Mallow Search and Rescue is around for the last forty years. We have done hundreds upon hundreds of searches in Cork. We have got massive experience. And nothing. But he must be somewhere.” 

Last sighting 

Meanwhile, John’s uncle Cathal previously told C103FM’s Cork Today that the last sighting they had of him was at the roundabout at Albert Road and the Park Road (close to the city centre) was on Monday, August 21.

"We sort of have him them walking towards the Marina Walk and the Greenway near Pairc Ui Chaoimh at 1.45am.

"He wasn’t able because his phone power had run out of juice and because he was disorientated we really don’t know what he was thinking or where he thought he was.

"He worked in IT and worked in Cork frequently. He went to a lot of concerts so he might have thought that he was down there to go to a concert. He walked down Centre Park Road which brings you to the Marquee.” 

He added that John was a lovely person.

“He would talk to anybody, anywhere. He was always happy with a big smile on his face and anyone who engaged with John would walk away with a smile on their face".

“This is a living nightmare as you are always wondering where he is and if he is okay. He could be out there somewhere with people who don’t know we are looking for him."

John is described as being 5' 9" in height, of slim build, with brown eyes and a bald head.

When last seen, John was wearing a pair of navy tros, a grey Umbro hoodie with the Irish soccer logo and white runners.

Anyone with information on John’s whereabouts is asked to Mayfield Garda Station on 021 455 8510, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.