Gardaí upgrade missing Kerry farmer investigation to homicide (2025)

Gardaí have this evening (Tuesday, April 29) upgraded their investigation into missing Kerry farmer Michael Gaine to homicide.

Michael, also known as Mike, Gaine was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on Friday, March 21 2025.

The suckler and sheep farmer was last seen in Kenmare town on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Gardaí

Based on the information available to the investigation team at Killarney Garda station, An Garda Síochána confirmed that this missing person investigation has now been reclassified as a homicide investigation.

In a statement, gardaí added that “a formal criminal investigation has now commenced”.

Gardaí continue to appeal to the public for assistance in the investigation into the disappearance of Michael Gaine.

Since March 21, the garda investigation team have undertaken over 320 formal jobs/enquiries and taken nearly 130 witness statements.

They have recovered approximately 2,200 hours of CCTV/dash cam footage and conducted extensive searches in the area over the past five weeks.

Gardaí said that they continue to keep Michael’s family “fully informed” and they have been updated as to the change in status of the investigation.

The family continue to be supported through a Family Liaison Officer as they come to terms with this update.

“Despite the extensive enquiries carried out so far, An Garda Síochána have not recovered Michael’s remains.

“Gardaí are seeking information from anyone who can assist us in bringing Michael back to his family,” the statement outlined.

Gardaí have conducted daily searches centred on Michael’s farmyard, surrounding lands, water sources and roads.

They have been assisted by the Irish Defence Forces, Civil Defence, Irish Coast Guard Units, Irish Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 115, Kerry Mountain Rescue, Search and Rescue Dog Team, Kerry Fire Service and civilian volunteers.

Appeal

Gardaí have appealed to any person who may have any information about what happened to Michael on Thursday, March 20, 2025 to contact the investigation team.

“There are person or persons who know what happened on the 20th of March 2025.

“If you have not been in a position to speak to An Garda Síochána about the information you have, or have already spoken to An Garda Síochána but have more information that you can provide – An Garda Síochána is appealing to you to come forward with that information.

“Information received will be treated in the strictest confidence,” a garda spokesperson said.

The garda investigation team can be contacted at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

You can also speak with any member of An Garda Síochána at any garda station nationwide.

On the day he was last seen, Michael bought phone credit in Centra, Kenmare at 9:48a.m before leaving in his bronze coloured RAV4 with registration 152 KY 366.

This vehicle was found parked in Michael’s farmyard, just off the N71 at Carrig East, Kenmare.

Michael is described as being approximately 5 feet 10 inches 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.