A major search is continuing in North Clare for an elderly man reported missing on Friday and who was last seen on Wednesday.
Thomas Connole (82), who was reported missing from Carrowmanagh North, Kilshanny, is described as being approximately 5 foot 10 inches in height, of slim build, with grey hair and blue eyes.
Thomas was last seen near his home on Wednesday 24th June 2026 between 12:00pm and 2:00pm. Gardaà and Thomas’s family are concerned for his safety.
Gardaà are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing Mr Connole’s whereabouts.
Several hundred people are understood to be involved in the search which has been concentrated in the area around the missing man’s home which includes dense forestry and bog land.
Gardaà mounted a search after Mr Connole was reported missing on Friday evening and requested assistance from Clare Civil Defence who immediately dispatched teams to the area. Coast Guard volunteers resumed their search on Saturday morning while the Shannon Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 115, conducted a comprehensive search of the area on Saturday.
Irish Coast Guard volunteers from Doolin joined the search when it resumed this morning. A large number of locals, friends and neighbours have also been assisting with the search.
Coast Guard land search teams deployed 4x4s and an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) while other volunteers launched drones to help them cover a wider area.
Clare Civil Defence volunteers also resumed their efforts for a third day dispatching land teams and utilising drone technology.
Civil Defence units from Limerick, Galway and Mayo have also travelled to assist their Clare colleagues,
Gardaà are asking anyone with information on Thomas’s whereabouts contact Kilrush Garda Station on (065) 908 0550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
