Kieran McAree’s close friend Patrick McCarron, from Emyvale, is pictured with Enniskillen’s Henry McQuillan who has helped with the search
THE search of Lough Erne, near Enniskillen, for the body of 23-year old Kieran McAree, from county Monaghan, which is concentrated along a one mile stretch downstream of Enniskillen police station, continued into its sixth day yesterday.
Once again, his shocked parents, Geraldine and Martin, his brother, Damian and his sister, Aisling, along with members of the extended family and their neighbours from Emyvale kept a lonely vigil on the shore at the Round ‘O’, where the search and rescue operation is based.
Kieran was reported missing on Wednesday morning last, December 17th following the discovery of personal items on the jetty at Henry Street.
A sales representative, was a noted middle distance runner and gaelic footballer with his local club, Emyvale. He is a member of Glaslough Harriers with whom his mother is a club coach.
Last year, between bouts of ill-health, he helped Emyvale to an Ulster Club Junior Championship medal.
His parents were too upset to speak about their son, but they did put forward two spokesmen, his cousin, Jarlath Treanor and one of his closest friends, Patrick McCarron.
They told the Herald that the most frustrating part was not finding anything at the end of a day’s searching, but, as against that, they said Kieran’s family were overwhelmed by the efforts of the volunteer search and rescue teams, including the RNLI and the Coastguard, and the police.
“It’s fabulous and the family really do appreciate all they support they’re getting, from the PSNI and from all the volunteers involved. Likewise, they appreciate the food and soup from Enniskillen people with no family links.
“They won’t even give a name. They just drop the food off and go on ahead.”
Patrick and Jarlath hold Kieran in very high regard.
“He’s a lovely lad. There would not be a man in the country who would have a bad word about Kieran. He’s friendly, outgoing and always willing to give a hand. He’s the type of guy who will never say, ‘No’. He’s the one asking, ‘how are you getting on’, and things like that.”
PSNI Chief Inspector Brian Foster said Kieran is 5’7” tall, with short curly brown hair, and wore glasses.
“He may have been driving a Volkswagen Golf car prior to going missing since 5.30am on Wednesday morning last.
“Significant water-based and land-based searches are continuing, and we appeal for anyone who can help with their enquiries to contact the PSNI on the 101 number. We are also appealing for anyone in the vicinity to check outbuildings and land.”
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere