LATEST: Investigation into disappearance of Kerry farmer Michael Gaine upgraded to homicide

In a major update to the missing person case of Michael Gaine from Kenmare, County Kerry, An Garda Síochána have now upgraded the investigation into the farmer's disappearance as a homicide investigation.

Michael was reported missing from his home near Kenmare over a month ago on Friday, 21 March and was last seen in Kenmare Town on Thursday, 20 March. 

The farmer was last seen in Centra purchasing phone credit on the Thursday morning. According to gardaí, Michael then left in his bronze coloured Toyota RAV4. The car was later found parked in his own farmyard just off the N71 at Carrig East.

An extensive search operation has been underway since Michael was reported missing involving the Coast Guard, Civil Defence, Kerry Mountain Rescue and even members of the Irish Defence Forces.

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

Since the missing persons case was opened, gardaí said they have taken nearly 130 witness statements and recovered approximately 2,200 hours of CCTV and Dash Cam footage. 

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In a statement released by An Garda Síochána on Tuesday, they said: "Based on the entirety of the information available to the investigation team at Killarney Garda station, An Garda Síochána can confirm today Tuesday, 29th April 2025 that this missing person investigation has now been reclassified as a homicide investigation, and a formal criminal investigation has now commenced."

It continued: "An Garda Síochána continue to keep Michael's family fully informed and they have been updated as to the change in status of this investigation.

"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.

"An Garda Síochána appeal to any person who may have any information about what happened to Michael on Thursday, 20th March 2025 to contact the Garda Investigation Team."

The statement included: "There are person or persons who know what happened on the 20th of March 2025."

Gardaí have urged anyone to come forward with information even if they have already spoken to the gardaí but may have more information to provide. They assured that all information will be treated with the strictest confidence. 

The Garda Investigation Team can be contacted at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or people can speak with any member of An Garda Síochána at any Garda Station nationwide.