Heartbreaking update as search for 51-year-old man missing since November stood down

The search has been stood down for 51-year-old man, Tom Rafferty, as Gardaí have issued a very sad update on Wednesday.

Tom was reported missing from his home in Portarlington, county Laois since Friday night, November 21, 2025.

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He was last seen in Portlaoise at approximately 10:15pm on the Friday night and was described as being approximately 5 foot 8 inches in height, with grey hair and blue eyes.

When last seen, Tom was wearing a grey fleece gilet, dark long sleeve t-shirt, blue jeans and grey shoes and was believed to have access to a white 231-LS registered Dacia Duster.

In a statement on Wednesday, Gardaí said,

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"Following the discovery of human remains and subsequent inquires, the appeal in respect of Tom Raftery (51), who was reported missing from his home in Portarlington, Co. Laois since Friday, 21st November 2025, has been stood down.

No further media action is required.

"An Garda Síochána would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance."