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Search under way for farmer missing in Co Kerry

Michael Gaine, inset, was last seen in Kenmare at around 11am on Thursday
Michael Gaine, inset, was last seen in Kenmare at around 11am on Thursday

Hundreds of people have joined a co-ordinated search effort in Co Kerry for missing sheep farmer Michael Gaine.

Mr Gaine, who is also known as 'Mike', was last seen in Kenmare town at 11am on Thursday.

Mr Gaine is a sheep farmer in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks area and his farm covers a large area of rugged mountainous terrain.

The Coast Guard, Civil Defence, gardaí and Kerry Mountain Rescue are involved in the search, and a garda spokesperson said that the teams would cover a wide search area.

Mr Gaine's family has expressed concerned for his wellbeing and a meeting involving emergency services is taking place this morning, which will determine the direction of the ongoing search.

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Mr Gaine is described as being approximately 1.77m (5'10") tall with a stocky build, brown/grey hair and a bushy beard.

When last seen, he was wearing an orange woolly hat, black fleece, blue jeans and black boots.

His family and gardaí say they are concerned for his well-being.

Leader of the Kerry Mountain Rescue team Colm Burke said "there's approximately 30 members of our team working with the Coast Guard, Civil Defence and the gardaí".

"The search and rescue dogs are out with us as well. We're concentrating on an area of rough ground above and below where the man's farmhouse is located. We'll continue this search until hopefully we find the missing man," he added.

Michael Gaine was last seen in Kenmare town at 11am on Thursday

The search also focused on the old Gaine family home and outhouses nestling beneath the MacGillycuddy Reeks.

A number of vehicles were removed from the scene earlier including Mr Gaine's car.

Mr Gaine is well known in the local communities of Kenmare and Kilgarvan and his whereabouts remain of deep concern.

Independent Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae said he knows the missing man very well and added "it speaks volumes that everybody is out looking for Mike Gaine because he is very well regarded and a great friend of mine."

Michael Gaine is well known in the local communities of Kenmare and Kilgarvan and his whereabouts remain of deep concern

"I knew his parents too and they're a family of hard workers, fine people.It's a very hard time for his wife and his sisters and other relatives. We're so sorry they have to go through this awful time wondering what happened to Mike.

"You always hope for the best but at the same time he has been missing two days and it's very, very worrying," Mr Healy-Rae added.

Anyone with information on Mr Gaine's whereabouts is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station.