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Michael Gaine's remains were brought into the church in a wood box topped with sheep’s wool. Alamy Stock Photo
Kenmare
Michael Gaine remembered as 'proud Kerry man' who 'loved life' at funeral
The 56-year-old’s remains were discovered on his farm last month.
LAST UPDATE | 7 Jun 2025
THE FUNERAL OF Michael ‘Mike’ Gaine has heard that he was a loving relative, a proud Kerry man “and an even prouder Kenmare man”.
The 56-year-old farmer was first reported missing on 21 March. His disappearance was later ruled a homicide.
Mourners packed Holy Cross Church in Kenmare this morning to pay their final respects to Mr Gaine and support his family, including his wife Janice and his sisters, Noreen and Catherine.
His remains were brought into the church in a wood box topped with sheep’s wool.
Speaking on behalf of the family ahead of the funeral service, Mr Gaine’s cousin Eoghan Clarke remembered him as a “proud Kerry man and an even prouder Kenmare man”.
Clarke said his cousin was known for his incredible work ethic, personality and humour, and was a loving son, sibling and uncle.
He recalled his passion for rallying, farming, current affairs, holidays and music.
“As we all know, Michael was generous. Incredibly generous. He had time for everyone and would chip in to help any time and any place,” he said.
‘He loved life’
“Michael seemed to always find the time to do the work of three men on his own farm, help out friends, family and neighbours, keep up to speed on current affairs and enjoy himself.
“He loved life, he always made the most of it and he truly lived every single moment.
Whether you met him during lambing or while on a trip away to a car show or rally event, he always had the iconic twinkle in his eye – the ‘I’m delighted to see you’, ‘I’m in great form’, ‘let’s go and enjoy ourselves’ glint in his eye.
Clarke also said that Mr Gaine’s wife Janice and sisters knew his soft caring side.
“Caring and affectionate. Kind and considerate. He was not afraid to show his emotions. He was also brave, fearless and strong,” he said.
“We will all miss Michael terribly. I know I’ll miss our phone calls the most, as well as that happy feeling that Michael gave you when you were with him.
“He was always the glue that held the Rally of the Lakes weekend together and I will always look back very fondly on our adventures to the best spectating spots in Kerry.”
In his homily, Parish Priest of Kenmare Father George Hayes described Kenmare as a place of enchanting beauty, but said that into their “peaceful, idyllic, sylvan existence” recently came something terrible.
‘Today we recover Michael’s dignity’
“Over these weeks, since Michael went missing, we’ve asked so many questions – and, in life, sometimes, there are no answers,” he told mourners.
“But in the best tradition of Irish funerals, today is a day for recovering the dignity of Michael Gaine. Today we recover Michael’s dignity because, today, we speak Michael’s name with love,” he said.
“Today, too, we gather to acknowledge Michael as someone who loved much and was much loved.”
Fr Hayes urged those gathered: “Let’s not give in to hatred and bitterness … let’s strive for justice and fairness.
“Winter will pass. Spring will come again. There will be better days, we will continue to honour Mike and speak Mike’s name with love, and may Mike now rest in God’s eternal care and God’s eternal peace.”
The funeral mass will be followed by a private burial.
Human remains discovered by investigating gardaí at Mr Gaine’s farm on 16 May were later confirmed to be his. It is now believed he was murdered on his farm on the date of his disappearance on 20 March.
A man was arrested on suspicion of Mr Gaine’s murder on 19 May. He was subsequently released without charge.
With reporting from Press Association
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