Crowds turn out in Kenmare to pay respects to Gaine family
Hundreds of people have been gathering in Kenmare, Co Kerry, to pay their respects to the family of Mike Gaine.
The 56-year-old sheep farmer went missing from his farm 6km north of the town on 20 March.
Eight weeks later, remains found on his land were subsequently confirmed by gardaí to be human tissue which belonged to him.
More human tissue was found during a search of his farmyard and adjoining fields in the days that followed.
The garda investigation into Mike Gaine's disappearance was initially treated as a missing person's case.
However, on 30 April gardaí announced that the investigation had been reclassified. His death is now being treated as murder.
On 19 May, gardaí arrested and questioned a man in his 50s on suspicion of Mr Gaine's murder. The man was released without charge, after he had spent 24 hours in garda custody.
Former US soldier Michael Kelley, who had been living on Mr Gaine's farm for almost three years before he moved to Tralee in April, identified himself in an interview with RTÉ News as the man who had been arrested.
Mr Kelley has denied any involvement in Mr Gaine's murder. He claims he is being framed by a subversive criminal organisation.
Mr Gaine farmed a 1,000-acre holding on the scenic Ring of Kerry, between Kenmare and Moll's Gap.
He was well known in the farming community as well as in car rallying circles.
He was a former participant in the Rally of the Lakes in Killarney and was a member of Killarney and District Motor Club.
Many of his friends from rallying spent the week restoring his Ford Escort Mark II rally car. They put an engine in it and have made it roadworthy.
The car is among a number of rally cars parked outside Finnegan's Funeral Home in Kenmare. Mike Gaine's Fiat tractor is also parked close by, symbolising his love of farming.
Mourners passed both as they gathered to sympathise this evening with Mr Gaine's wife, Janice, his sisters, Noreen and Catherine, and with other family members.
Mr Gaine's funeral mass will take place at Holy Cross Church in Kenmare tomorrow morning, after which an urn containing his ashes will be placed in his rally car and driven in a procession around the town.
His family say the resting place for his ashes will be kept private.
Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, has said it cannot comment on reports that Michael Kelley made a formal complaint to the ombudsman about his treatment by gardaí.
Fiosrú was formerly know as GSOC. It is the independent statutory office dealing with complaints about gardaí.
In a statement, Fiosrú said it could not comment on the reports.
"Fiosrú does not confirm or deny the existence of complaints made by or against individuals," a spokesman said.
"This is to protect the investigative process and the rights both of complainants, and those complained against. Fiosrú is not in a position to comment further."
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Sunday World
7 hours ago
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Garda launch probe into Mike Gaine murder as chief suspect makes official complaint
This week, Michael Kelley (56) made an official complaint to Fiosrú about his treatment by officers in the investigation, led by Killarney gardaí. Michael Kelley (right) is a suspect in the murder of Mike Gaine (left), but he has complained to Fiosrú about garda treatment Two probes have been launched into the garda investigation of the murder of Kerry farmer Mike Gaine. The Sunday World can reveal that last night the chief suspect for Mr Gaine's murder has made a formal complaint about his treatment by gardaí. American national Michael Kelley has lodged a complaint with Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, formerly known as the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc). This is the agency that deals with complaints about the conduct of gardaí from members of the public. Mr Kelley, a Tralee-based former soldier, has been arrested as a murder suspect, but denies any involvement. He was released without charge. This week, Mr Kelley (56) made an official complaint to Fiosrú about his treatment by officers in the investigation, led by Killarney gardaí. When contacted by the Sunday World, a spokeswoman for the ombudsman said she could not comment on the matter. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan TD and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. This revelation came just hours after Garda Commissioner Drew Harris confirmed the investigation into the murder of Mr Gaine is under 'peer review'. He said: 'We're subjecting that to a peer review because I do think there is learning for us around those who would commit crime and then attempt to dispose of the body, and often are successful in disposing of the body.' It is not known what exactly forms the basis for the complaint made to the watchdog by Mr Kelley. However, in previous media interviews, Mr Kelley has been critical of the investigation that led to his arrest. 'The only person who can make a legitimate complaint to Fiosrú in matters such as these is the subject of the garda investigation or a witness to what happened,' a source said. 'As we all know, there were no witnesses to the murder of Michael Gaine,' they added. Mr Kelley, who has denied any involvement in Mr Gaine's murder, was arrested on May 18. That was just over 36 hours after Mr Gaine's body parts were discovered in slurry that was being spread on farmland. He was later released without charge. Gardaí believe Mr Gaine was dismembered after he was killed, and that the body parts were dumped in a 50,000-gallon slurry tank on the property. Mike Gaine (left) and Michael Kelley (right) News in 90 Seconds - 7th June As part of the investigation, a full background check is being carried out on Mr Kelley, who had been living on Mr Gaine's farm and working as a farmhand for a number of years. Speaking yesterday in Templemore, Co Tipperary, the Garda Commissioner said there were lessons to be learnt from homicides that begin as a missing person case. He said gardaí have seen a real pattern around this in recent years, and they want to be sure that they have an investigative mindset in relation to a crime having been committed around a missing person report. Mr Harris said gardaí have reviewed all missing persons reports and found no other homicide cases. He also revealed that the investigation into the murder of Tina Satchwell will also be reviewed. Ms Satchwell's husband Richard was sentenced to life in prison earlier this week for her murder, after he buried her body under the stairs of their home in Youghal, Co Cork. It is understood the review of the Satchwell case will take the form of a thematic review. As part of the review, specific aspects of the original investigation will be examined to identify any problems or areas of the inquiry where lessons can be learnt, and improvements made to similar investigations in the future. Mr Harris said that 'in hindsight', it may have been 'very obvious' where Ms Satchwell's remains were. He said the 2017 search for Ms Satchwell did 'harvest' a 'huge' amount of information, which was useful in the re-examination of the case. Mr Harris said: 'All of those were crucial. So I would say the initial investigation was hamstrung because of the lack of information in comparison to the later re-examination of this matter. 'There's far more information to hand which gave us real grounds then for actual suspicion and then inquiries that we could lead. 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Sunday World
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Mike Gaine remembered for the ‘iconic twinkle in his eye' at his funeral mass
'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.' Murdered Kerry farmer Michael Gaine has been remembered as a loving relative and proud Co Kerry man at his funeral mass. The town of Kenmare was rocked last month when following his disappearance, 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 in a coffin topped with sheep's wool, to make his many years as a sheep farmer. Speaking on behalf of Michae's 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'. A memorial photograph of Michael Gaine. Photo: Mark Condren. News in 90 Seconds - 7th June He said he will be missed terribly. Mr Clarke said his cousin was known for his incredible work ethic, personality and humour, and was a loving son, sibling and uncle. 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. I know I'll miss our phone calls the most, as well as that happy feeling that Michael gave you when you were with him. 'He was always the glue that held the Rally of the Lakes weekend together and I will always look back very fondly on our adventures to the best spectating spots in Kerry.' Last month, a man aged in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of Mr Gaine's murder. He was held for questioning for one day before being released without charge from Killarney garda station.
Extra.ie
9 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Michael Gaine remembered as a 'caring and affectionate' as he's laid to rest
Michael Gaine was remembered as a loving relative and proud Kerry man as he was laid to rest this week. Mourners gathered in their droves at Holy Cross Church in Kenmare on Saturday to pay their respects to the farmer and to support his family. Mr Gaine's remains were discovered late last month as slurry spreading was being undertaken on his land, leading to a murder investigation. Michael Gaine was remembered as a loving relative and proud Kerry man as he was laid to rest this week. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire/PA Images Mr Gaine, 56, was last seen on March 20 when he purchased phone credit in the local Centra shop in Kenmare. His disappearance prompted an extensive search, and his remains were found weeks later on his farm. His remains were brought into the church in a wood box topped with sheep's wool, with Mr Gaine's cousin Eoghan Clarke remembering him as a 'proud Kerry man and an even prouder Kenmare man.' Mourners gathered in their droves at Holy Cross Church in Kenmare on Saturday (June 7) to pay their respects to the murdered farmer and to support his family. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire/PA Images Mr Clarke spoke of how his cousin was known for his incredible work ethic, personality and humour, and was a loving son, sibling and uncle. He also spoke of 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 added. '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. Mr Gaine, 56, was last seen on March 20 when he purchased phone credit in the local Centra shop in Kenmare. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire/PA Images '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.' While Michael was remembered as a salt of the earth man, Mr Clarke gave mourners an insight into his softer side. 'Caring and affectionate. Kind and considerate. He was not afraid to show his emotions. He was also brave, fearless and strong,' he said. Mr Clarke spoke of how his cousin was known for his incredible work ethic, personality and humour, and was a loving son, sibling and uncle. He also spoke of his passion for rallying, farming, current affairs, holidays and music. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire/PA Images 'We will all miss Michael terribly. I know I'll miss our phone calls the most, as well as that happy feeling that Michael gave you when you were with him. 'He was always the glue that held the Rally of the Lakes weekend together and I will always look back very fondly on our adventures to the best spectating spots in Kerry.' He also spoke of Michael's love for his wife Janice, and how they truly put each other first in life. Mr Gaine, 56, was last seen on March 20 when he purchased phone credit in the local Centra shop in Kenmare. Pic: 'It always struck me how loving Michael was with Janice and how they both spent not just time but quality time together. They enjoyed one another's company in every scenario, from simple trips to the cinema in Killarney, visits to new restaurants to try new cuisine, walks in the National Park, and adventurous holidays abroad – where inevitably, Michael would meet someone he knew and strike up a conversation.' Symbols of Michael's life which were brought to the altar included; a photo of Mike on his quad on his 1000-acre farm, a photo of Mike on holidays, up a photo of the globe, a photo of Mike and Janice's wedding, a CD and a photo of Mike and his rally car. Most poignantly, Michael's family friend brought up a photo of Saint Michael the Archangel, which symbolises divine protection and strength and who was a spiritual warrior in the battle of good versus evil. Michael Gaine. Pic: An Garda Síochána Missing Persons 'He is considered a champion of justice. Mike Gaine was a strong character who loved people and their stories. He was generous and big-hearted and never refused to assist anyone who needed help. He saw good in everyone and always stood up for justice. Like Saint Michael there was not an evil bone in Mike Gaine's body,' he added. Father George Hayes spoke of the pain that embroiled Kenmare in the days following Michael's disappearance. 'Neidín, Ceann Mara, Kenmare is a place of enchanting beauty. The soft green hills protect us from the winter gales. Kenmare bay sparkles with the cleanest of water. Moss and ferns grow under our feet. As you drive toward Moll's Gap from Killarney, on a summer evening, the mountains captivate you as they seem to be stacked behind each other. 'And into this, our peaceful, idyllic, sylvan existence, something terrible has come. We are discommoded and feel at a loss. Over these weeks, since Michael went missing, we have asked so many questions – and, in life, sometimes, there are no answers,' he continued. 'But in the best tradition of Irish funerals, today is a day for recovering the dignity of Michael Gaine. Today we recover Michael's dignity because, today, we speak Michael's name with love. And it is the dignity of Michael's life, and not the manner of Michael's death, that will abide in our hearts. Here in this place, today, we recover Michael's dignity. We speak Michael's name with love.' Pushing for goodness to prevail, he urged: 'Today our challenge, as believers in Jesus Christ, is not to give in to the toxic. Let us not give in to hatred and bitterness. Let us not give in to death and destruction. Let us go from here today, and in Michael's name, let us resolve to do good. Let us strive for justice and fairness. Let us be builders of peace and create relationships of dignity. Because, if you don't build a better world and if I don't build a better world, who will build a better world?' Maureen Finnegan, a family friend, spoke of Michael's good nature, vowing to be there for his family during this trying time. 'Though we need to weep your loss, you now dwell in that safe place in our hearts, where no storm or night or pain or evil can reach you. May this dark grief – flower with hope in every heart that loves you. Your days here were too brief. 'Let us not look for you only in memory, where we would feel lonely without you. You would want us to find you in presence – beside us when beauty brightens, when darkest winter has turned to Spring. May you continue to inspire us: to enter each day with a generous heart. To do what you would want us to do. 'To serve the call of courage and love and generosity, until we see you once again, in that land where there is no more separation, where evil doesn't exist – where all tears will be wiped from our mind, and where we will never lose you again.' Finishing off proceedings, Michael's widow Janice lead the family out of the church holding Michael's urn in her arms, cradled in a sheepskin-lined basket. A former US Marine, Michael Kelley, who had worked on Mr Gaine's farm, was arrested in connection with the case and detained for 24 hours, but released without charge the following night due to insufficient evidence. Mr Kelley has revealed that he sought asylum in Ireland over fears of unjust persecution in the US. Gardaí are continuing to investigate several theories over Mr Gaine's death.
