Gardaí are testing weapons from the farm of Michael Gaine for DNA after confirmation that the human remains found earlier this month are his. 

The 56-year-old was reported missing on March 20th and in April Gardaí announced they were treating his disappearance as a homicide. 

On May 17th, Gardaí said that human remains had been found on Mr Gaine’s farm near Kenmare, County Kerry. 

DNA testing has now confirmed that the body is that of Mr Gaine. 

“Gardaí have been working on that assumption since the discovery of the human remains,” The Kerryman journalist Sinead Kelleher told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“Of course, this is devastating news, most of all for his family but also for the community because this finally confirms that Mr Gaine, who has been missing since March 20th, was on his farm for this time. 

“It also shows that he’d been lying there for weeks and weeks now, while Gardaí had been searching the farm. 

“It’s a very sad conclusion to this part of the investigation.” 

Michael Gaine

Michael Gaines. Image: Garda Press Office.

After the discovery of Mr Gaine’s body, further searches of the farm were carried out by Gardaí and the Defence Forces. 

“Gardaí are now awaiting for the DNA results on weapons found on the farm to hopefully discover the cause of death of Mr Gaine,” Ms Kelleher continued

“As of this morning, Gardaí remain on site at the farm in Carrig East, just outside Kenmare.  

“They will be joined once again this morning by the Army to continue searching the land for any evidence that will help find out exactly what happened to Mr Gaine.” 

Gardaí have confirmed that the remains found on Kerry farm have been identified as Michael Gaine.

Sinead Kelleher, Journalist with The Kerryman and the Independent tells us more. pic.twitter.com/PRsY4oO0ZP

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A man in his 50s was arrested in connection with Mr Gaine's disappearance but was released without charge last Monday.

Anyone with any information has been asked to contact Killarney Garda Station. 

Main image: The last known footage of Michael Gaine.