LAST UPDATE | 3 Jun 2022

GARDAÍ HAVE STOOD down the search for hiker John Dunne after the body of a man was found on Macgillycuddy’s Reeks in Kerry this morning.

The 60-year-old was reported missing after a hike in Kerry on Wednesday afternoon.

It’s believed he went for a hike on a local mountain trail.

On the day of his disappearance John Dunne rang the B&B he was staying at to say that he would be in the Lisleibane car park in an hour, PA reported.

He did not arrive back and the search for him began early yesterday morning.

The Journal understands the body had injuries consistent with a fall and was found near a lake.

Two hours may be required to bring the deceased back to a makeshift search and rescue headquarters before a post-mortem can be conducted at a hospital.

A source has said that John Dunne was last  seen at 5pm on Wednesday and that frantic efforts were made to contact his phone.

Gardaí traced his phone to a particular area, and directed the search there.

A drone, search dogs, and cooperation from Iveragh Coast Guard were all vital in the search effort, according to the PA.

An Garda Síochána thanked the Kerry Mountain Rescue, who assisted with the search, as well as the public.

With additional reporting from the Press Association.