RIP: Gardaí issue tragic update as search for missing man (72) is stood down
Jeremiah Downing was reported missing from Sneem in Kerry since Thursday, January 1
Gardaí have delivered a tragic update as the missing person appeal for a man from Kerry has been stood down.
They have confirmed that the move to stand down the search comes after the discovery of a body.
72-year-old Jeremiah Downing was reported missing from Sneem in Kerry since Thursday, January 1 having last been seen on the N70 road between Castlecove and Sneem on Wednesday.
A renewed appeal to find him was issued on Friday morning, January 2 with both the Gardaí and his family extremely concerned for his wellbeing.
However, a garda statement on Friday evening, January 2, confirmed the tragic update: "Following the discovery of a body of a male in Co. Kerry this afternoon, 2nd January 2026, and subsequent inquiries, the missing person appeal in respect of Jeremiah Downing (72) who was reported missing from his home in Sneem, Co. Kerry on Thursday 1st January 2026, has been stood down."
Their statement concluded by saying: "An Garda Síochána would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance."