LAST UPDATE | 19 May

GARDAÍ ARE UNDERSTOOD to be examining the possibility of using open source satellite imagery in their efforts to find out what happened to Michael Gaine, The Journal has learned.   

The imagery is readily available from civilian companies and it is believed that it will help the detectives determine if particular farm machinery was moved over a period of time. 

The current phase of the investigation is focused on the human remains found so far and the DNA samples that forensic specialists have obtained – but also on what was happening in the Gaine farmyard near Kenmare in Co Kerry in recent weeks. 

On Saturday, gardaí confirmed that they had discovered partial human remains at the missing man’s farm.

Sources indicated to The Journal over the weekend that the body fragments were found in a field where slurry was spread on Friday.

The slurry came from a tank on the Gaine farm believed to have been previously searched at the beginning of the investigation.

It’s understood that the person spreading the slurry raised the alarm after finding what are now believed to be human vertebrae in a spreader while working in a nearby field on Friday.  

It’s believed that a body – now believed to be that of Michael Gaine – had been in the tank before slurry was taken from it for use on the fields last Friday. 

As part of typical farming practices, a machine known as an agitator is used to break down solid material that may be in a slurry tank before a spreader is filled. 

It is understood the agitator used at the Gaine farm is forming part of the probe today as investigators determine its impact on the body while it was inside the tank. 

A man in his 50s remains in custody this morning on suspicion of murder.

He was detained yesterday afternoon and can continue be questioned for up to 24 hours, which can be delayed for rest periods.

The 56-year-old farmer was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on 21 March. The case was upgraded from a missing person one to homicide in April. 

Gardaí continue to carry out searches today. 

‘We will never forget you’

Shortly after 5pm yesterday, a hearse and local undertakers arrived at the Gaine farm, followed by parish priest of Kenmare, Father George Hayes.

Messages and holy candles were left at the entrance to the farm, with one reading: “We will never forget you Mike. Say hello to everyone for me.”

The coffin left just before 6pm yesterday and members of the family and the community lined the road.

Michael’s family continue to be supported through a Family Liaison Officer, a Garda spokesperson said.

The family have appealed for privacy.

Speaking yesterday, local TD Michael Healy-Rae said that the community wants “answers” and said it was a “horrific time” for the Gaine family.

The Garda investigation team can be contacted at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or speak with any member of An Garda Síochána.

- With additional reporting from Anne Lucey and Diarmuid Pepper