The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Major search in West Kerry for missing man
A LARGE team of locals joined emergency services yesterday near Com Dhíneol beach in West Kerry, as an extensive search operation for a missing man got underway.
The last confirmed sighting of the man – named locally as John Cunningham – was early on Saturday afternoon. He was reported missing to Gardaí on Monday night, but a thorough search of the coast could not get underway until daylight on Tuesday.
Over 20 locals joined volunteers from the local coast-andcliff rescue team, as well as Gardaí, a Valentia lifeboat, and a search-and-rescue helicopter.
A drone search team was also called in from Doolin, County Clare, while local fishing boats also assisted in the search.
Members of Mr Cunningham’s family from Cork took part in the search operation also.
The search has concentrated particularly on a point at the southern side of Dún Mór Head, Cuas na Reithe, where Mr Cuningham kept a lobster pot.
There are fears that Mr Cunningham had gone down to the location, not far from where he lived, to haul this pot in advance of bad weather on Saturday, and that he may have been washed into or fallen into the sea.
Gardaí also said they are following up an unconfirmed report that Mr Cunningham was seen on Sunday.
Mr Cunningham is aged in his 50s and is originally from Cork, Gardaí told The Kerryman.
He is a teacher by profession, and moved to West Kerry in the past year, where he was caring for his elderly father. While not originally from the area, Mr Cunningham was described as well-known and well-respected in West Kerry. The Kerryman understands that only last week he had taken it upon himself to paint the iconic Calvary statues at Slea Head. He was also well-known as a keen surfer.
At the time of going to print, Mr Cunningham had not been located.
Anyone with any information can be of assistance to the search is asked to contact Dingle Garda Station at (066) 915 1522.