01-05-2025
Search for young man stood down following discovery of body, Gardai confirm
The search for a young man who went missing in Meath last week has been called off following the discovery of a body earlier today.
The disappearance of Sean Connaghan, 24, from Trim last Thursday sparked an extensive search involving volunteers, drones, fishermen and the Garda Underwater Team.
He was last seen alive on Loman Street in Trim in the early hours of April 24.
A missing persons appeal was launched by An Garda Síochána in the wake of his disappearance, as help was sought from members of the public in tracing the young man's whereabouts.
Volunteers, gardaí, Meath Civil Defence, Boyne Fishermen, and Meath River Rescue were subsequently involved in a search operation as concern grew for the welfare of the 24-year-old.
However, hope for his safe return was extinguished this afternoon when Meath River Rescue recovered a body from the water, and the search was stood down.
"The search in Trim has been stood down following the recovery of a body by members of Meath River Rescue," Meath Civil Defence said in a statement this evening.
"We extend our sincere condolences to the deceased's family and friends. May he rest in peace," they added.
A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána also provided a tragic update in relation to the search for Mr Connaghan.
"Following the discovery of a body, the missing person appeal for Sean Connaghan, 24-years-old, who was reported missing from Trim, Co Meath, since Thursday, April 24, 2025, has been stood down," the spokesperson said.
"An Garda Síochána would like to thank the media and public for their assistance."
Local TD Johnny Guirke, who had allowed his constituency office to be used as a base for the coordination of the search, paid tribute to the organisations involved in the search.
"This Labour Day, I want to highlight who the real heroes are [...] the workers and our volunteers," he said.
"Over the past week in Trim, Meath, I've seen the Civil Defence, Meath River Rescue, Boyne Fishermen Rescue and Recovery, and many volunteers giving up their time selflessly to assist in a search. They deserve our deepest respect.
"My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sean Connaghan," he added.
