18-05-2025
Gardaí arrest man on suspicion of murder in Michael Gaine case
Gardaí have announced that they have made an arrest as part of the investigation into the disappearance and homicide of farmer Michael Gaine.
The arrested individual, a man aged in his 50s, was arrested and detained on suspicion of murder, and is being held at a garda station in Co. Kerry.
The development comes after partial human remains were discovered by investigators yesterday (Saturday, May 17).
Michael 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.
In a statement today (Sunday, May 18), gardaí said: '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, March 21, 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),' the statement added.
'This afternoon, Sunday, May 18, 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,' gardaí said.
Investigators are continuing to carry out searches and technical examinations at lands at Carrig East, Kenmare, Co. Kerry.
The family of Michael Gaine has been informed of the arrest, and gardaí say they continue to support his family through a Family Liaison Officer. The family have requested privacy at this time.
Gardaí have reiterated their appeal to the public for 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 by speaking with any member of An Garda Síochána.
Yesterday morning, gardaí said they had declared a crime scene as part of the investigation, and subsequently announced the discovery of partial human remains.
Searches continued to recover any further human remains. DNA analysis is set to be carried out to formally identify the recovered remains.
