The disappearance of 56-year-old farmer Michael “Mike” Gaine from Kenmare, County Kerry, has evolved into a tragic mystery that has deeply affected the local community. Initially reported missing on March 21, 2025, after last being seen purchasing phone credit in Kenmare the previous day, the case has since been reclassified as a homicide investigation.Latest news & breaking headlines+6The Irish Sun+6The Irish Sun+6Garda+9Tipperary Live+9Latest news & breaking headlines+9
Timeline of Events
- March 20, 2025: Michael Gaine was last seen at approximately 9:48 AM buying phone credit at a Centra store in Kenmare. He then drove his bronze-colored Toyota RAV4 (registration 152 KY 366) to his farm at Carrig East. The vehicle was later found parked in the farmyard with his wallet and phone inside.Garda+10Tipperary Live+10Garda+10Latest news & breaking headlines+3Home+3BreakingNews.ie+3Latest news & breaking headlines+1The Irish Sun+1
- March 21, 2025: Gaine was officially reported missing. Extensive searches commenced, involving local volunteers, Gardaí, the Defence Forces, and other rescue agencies.Garda+3The Irish Sun+3Home+3
- April 29, 2025: An Garda Síochána reclassified the case as a homicide investigation, citing the lack of evidence pointing to an accidental death and the possibility that Gaine may have died in a violent encounter elsewhere, with his body moved post-mortem. Latest news & breaking headlines
Investigation Details
Authorities have pursued over 320 lines of inquiry, reviewed approximately 2,200 hours of video footage, and taken nearly 130 witness statements. Despite these efforts, no trace of Gaine has been found. A bloodied knife discovered near his farm was determined to have deer blood, unrelated to the case. The Irish Sun+1Tipperary Live+1The Irish Sun+2Latest news & breaking headlines+2The Irish Sun+2
The Defence Forces have contributed significantly by searching hazardous, mountainous areas and providing specialist personnel. The Irish Sun
Family’s Plea
Gaine’s wife, Janice, has described his disappearance as “totally out of character,” emphasizing his deep devotion to his home, farm, animals, and passion for rallying. She, along with Gaine’s sister, Noreen O’Regan, has appealed to the public for any information that could lead to answers about his whereabouts. The Irish Sun+1Latest news & breaking headlines+1
Community Impact
The mystery surrounding Gaine’s disappearance has deeply impacted the local community. Residents, previously suspecting foul play, are reeling from the confirmation that Gaine’s disappearance is now being treated as a homicide. Latest news & breaking headlines+1The Irish Sun+1The Irish Sun
Contact Information
Anyone with information regarding Michael Gaine’s disappearance is urged to contact Killarney Garda Station at 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. Tipperary Live+3Irish Examiner+3Garda+3
Note: This article is based on information available as of May 5, 2025. For the most current updates, please refer to official Garda press releases and reputable news sources.
