Gardaí believe a man who has been missing from County Leitrim for nearly six years has been murdered.
Officers at Carrick-on-Shannon have renewed their appeal for information on the disappearance of Patrick Heeran, who was last seen in Mohill on October 3rd 2011.
He was reported missing to An Garda Siochana on the 14th October, 2011.
At a special public briefing today, gardaí said they are now satisfied he met his death as a result of foul play.
Patrick's cousin, Damien Brennan told Ocean FM the family's main focus now is to find his body:
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"Above all is the consideration for his mother," he said. "She is in her mid-eighties, she is absolutely distraught and broken-hearted about what has happened."
"It has taken a huge toll on her health and obviously has destroyed her peace of mind for the past, almost, six years.
"It is unimaginable what she has gone through."
Patrick Heeran is described as being five foot nine inches tall, of stocky build with fair hair.
When last seen he was wearing brown shoes, blue jeans and a brown jacket.
He was 48-years-old when he went missing and Mr Brennan said his elderly mother's only wish is to see him properly buried.
"We really strongly appeal to anybody who has any ounce of any information whatsoever - even though it doesn't seem important - to bring it forward to the incident room in Manorhamilton or to the garda confidential line."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Carrick-on-Shannon Garda Station on 071-9650510, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
