It’s approaching one year since Michael Gaine went missing after his body was discovered on his farm outside Kenmare, County Kerry.

As the anniversary of his death nears, Gardaí claim the investigation is "active and live."

Gerry O’Sullivan, presenter of Radio Kerry, told The Pat Kenny Show that just days before Christmas, he had interviewed the Chief Superintendent for the southern Garda region, Colm O'Sullivan, who “issued a fresh appeal to the public for information.” 

He told the show that Superintendent O’Sullivan insisted that the public was “not to assume that someone else has already provided all the information in relation to this case.”

“The investigation is still continuing, we are still looking for information from the public and find out who is responsible for the murder of Michael Gaine,” he said.

O’Sullivan admitted that “things have gone quiet” but the Gardaí are reminding everyone that the investigation is still ongoing. 

The Michael Gaines case

Mr Gaine's case first emerged the weekend of the 21st of March last year, when the Kerry native was first reported missing. 

A search party was primarily undertaken by friends and family on his land, located in Carrig East, just outside of Kenmare.

“Gardaí had initially assumed that something had happened to him on the farm,” said O'Sullivan, however, six weeks later, the case was upgraded to a homicide. 

An agriculture contractor and Michael Gaine's nephew had been spreading slurry on the land when they reportedly saw partial body parts which “sprung Gardaí back into action” on the site at his farm, said O’Sullivan.

The slurry tank was fully emptied and partial remains were recovered and removed from the farm site at Carrig East. 

The investigation has continued from that point onwards.

Slurry tanks at the scene in Carrig East, Kenmare, where Garda are investigating the disappearance of Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine. Picture date: Saturday May 17, 2025. Image: Alamy / Noel Sweeney

An initial arrest was made, however the person was released without charge. 

Gardaí believe that Mike Gane had never left his farm. 

His jeep was also found on the site.

He was last seen in the local Centra service station on Thursday the 20th of March. 

“That was the last actual reported sighting of him on CCTV footage,” O’Sullivan noted.

“Since that point, there has been question after question as to what really happened here.” 

Michael Gaine's memory remains

Tributes to the farmer have not stopped since his death last year, with the local community honouring his memory in Kerry.

“In November at the Killarney Historic Rally, Janice, Michael's wife, donated a cup to the rally  and they instituted what's called the 'Carrig Cup.' It's the Mike Gaine perpetual trophy,” he explained. 

The Killarney District and Motor Club also held a gathering at the Kenmare Golf Club in memory of Michael Gaine and in recognition of the Carrig Cup.

“It was a night of memories of Mike and to recognise both him and his contribution [to the club].”

“He was the heart of rallying in the Kenmare area and part of the Killarney District Motor Club,” he added.