Man, 50s, arrested on suspicion of murder of Kerry farmer Michael Gaine
A man in his 50s has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the disappearance and homicide of Michael Gaine in Co Kerry, gardaí confirmed in a statement on Sunday evening.
Michael Gaine was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on Friday, March 21, and despite significant searches, no trace of him had been found.
Following extensive searches over the last eight weeks, gardaí confirmed on Saturday that human remains had been discovered on his farm.
Just one day later, Garda said a man aged in his 50s is being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a station in Kerry Division. A view of Mike Gaine's farm near Kenmare in Co Kerry. Pic: Niamh Walsh
A garda spokesperson said in a statement issued on Sunday evening: 'Gardaí at Killarney Garda Station continue to investigate the disappearance and homicide of Michael Gaine (56), who was reported missing from his home near Kenmare, Co. Kerry, on Friday, 21st March 2025.
'The homicide investigation, led by a Senior Investigating Officer and the Serious Crime Unit Kerry Garda Division is ongoing, supported by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI).
'This afternoon, Sunday 18th May 2025 a male (aged in his 50s) has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
'The male is being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in Kerry Division. A CCTV image of Michael Gaine. Pic: An Garda Síochána
'An Garda Síochána continue to carry out searches and technical examinations at lands at Carrig East, Kenmare, Co. Kerry.
'The family of Michael Gaine have been informed of this arrest and An Garda Síochána continue to support Michaels family through a Family Liaison Officer. The family have requested privacy at this time.
'Gardaí continue to appeal to the public assistance in this investigation.'
The Garda investigation team can be contacted at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or speak with any member of An Garda Síochána.
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Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
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5 hours ago
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Irish Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
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Mourners told to remember Michael Gaine 'for how he lived, not how he died'
Murdered sheep farmer Michael Gaine has been remembered as a loving relative and proud Co Kerry man. The town of Kenmare was rocked last month when, following the disappearance of Michael Gaine, human remains found on his land were confirmed to be his. Mourners packed Holy Cross Church in the town on Saturday morning to pay their final respects to the 56-year-old and support his family. His remains were brought into the church by his wife Janice in a wood box topped with sheep's wool. Speaking on behalf of the family ahead of the funeral service, Mr Gaine's cousin Eoghan Clarke remembered him as a "proud Kerry man and an even prouder Kenmare man". He said he will be missed terribly to applause from those gathered. In his homily, parish priest George Hayes described Kenmare as a place of enchanting beauty, but said into their "peaceful, idyllic, sylvan existence" recently came something terrible. 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He recalled his passion for rallying, farming, current affairs, holidays and music. "As we all know, Michael was generous. Incredibly generous. He had time for everyone and would chip in to help any time and any place," he said. "Michael seemed to always find the time to do the work of three men on his own farm, help out friends, family and neighbours, keep up to speed on current affairs and enjoy himself. "He loved life, he always made the most of it and he truly lived every single moment. Whether you met him during lambing or while on a trip away to a car show or rally event, he always had the iconic twinkle in his eye - the 'I'm delighted to see you', 'I'm in great form', 'let's go and enjoy ourselves' glint in his eye." He also said that Mr Gaine's wife Janice and sisters knew his soft caring side. "Caring and affectionate. Kind and considerate. He was not afraid to show his emotions. He was also brave, fearless and strong," he said. "We will all miss Michael terribly. 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Family friend brought up a photo of the globe to show how Mike was extremely interested in current affairs and world events, while friend Edward Gibbons carried up a photo of Mike and Janice's wedding nephew Jamie O'Regan brought up a photo of Mike's family - his mother and father Jimmy and Sheila and his two sisters Noreen and Catherine, while friend Donie McCarthy brought up a CD, which symbolised Mike's love of all music.. Family friend David Dornan brought up a photo of Saint Michael the Archangel, who symbolises divine protection and strength. Meanwhile, Michael's brother-in-law Sean O'Regan brought up a photo of Mike and his rally car and his friend Shane McCarthy brought up Mike's rally helmet, as he loved all motorsports and was very interested in cars. As the ceremony ended, Fr Hayes said: "Before we go your separate ways let us take leave of our brother Michael. One day we shall joyfully greet Michael again when the love of Christ which conquers all things destroys even death itself." Mr Gaine was initially reported missing having been last seen in Kenmare on March 20. Extensive searches were carried out with assistance at one stage from the Irish Defence Forces. On April 29, gardai announced the missing person probe had been upgraded to a homicide investigation. Partial human remains were found on Mr Gaine's land on May 17 which were identified as belonging to the missing farmer. A man aged in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of Mr Gaine's murder on May 19. He was held for questioning for one day before being released without charge from Killarney garda station. For the latest news and breaking news visit Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. Follow us on Twitter @IrishMirror - the official Irish Mirror Twitter account - real news in real time. 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