Michael Gaine disappearance: Gardaí confirm partial remains found at Kerry farm

State Pathologist, Dr Sally Anne Collis and Forensic Anthropologist Laureen Buckley have carried out preliminary examinations at the scene on Saturday afternoon.
Michael Gaine disappearance: Gardaí confirm partial remains found at Kerry farm

Gardaí have confirmed that partial human remains have been found in Kerry during a search for missing man Michael Gaine.

The 56 year-old was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on Friday the 21st of March.

Gardaí have been searching lands in Carrig East in Kenmare where a crime scene was declared.

State Pathologist, Dr Sally Anne Collis and Forensic Anthropologist Laureen Buckley have carried out preliminary examinations at the scene on Saturday afternoon.

Searches are ongoing to recover any further human remains.

He was last seen the previous day in Kenmare town buying phone credit in the Centra shop at 9:48am.

There have been extensive inquiries by gardaí investigating Mr Gaines’ disappearance over the last eight weeks, as well as a public plea for information issued by his wife Janice Gaine and sister Noreen O’Regan.

On April 29th the investigation was reclassified as a homicide.

A member of Garda Technical Unit at the scene in Carrig East, Kenmare, as they investigate the disappearance of Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine. Photo: Noel Sweeney/PA Wire

In a statement, a Garda spokesperson said: "This afternoon, May 17th, 2025, State Pathologist, Dr Sally Anne Collis and Forensic Anthropologist Laureen Buckley assisted by the Garda Technical Bureau have carried out preliminary examinations at the scene.

"An Garda Síochána can confirm that partial human remains have been found. Searches are ongoing to recover any further human remains.

"DNA analysis will be required to carry out formal identification of the recovered human remains."

Defence Forces and the Garda Water Unit were also involved in search efforts in recent weeks, and checkpoints were held a week after his disappearance to help gather information that would aid the investigation

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