A man in his 50s, who had been arrested in connection with the investigation into the murder of Kerry farmer, Michael Gaine, has been released without charge from the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

Search operations, supported by local, regional, and national garda units, other emergency services and the Defence Forces, are ongoing at Carrig East, Kenmare, Co. Kerry.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochána said that the family of Michael Gaine have been kept informed of this update and gardaí continue to support Michael's family through a Family Liaison Officer.

The family have requested privacy at this time.

Gardaí continue to appeal to the public for assistance in this investigation. The garda investigation team can be contacted at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or speak with any member of An Garda Síochána.

Michael Gaine was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on Friday, March 21, 2025.

The suckler and sheep farmer was last seen in Kenmare town on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

A major search operation was initiated at the time with the assistance of neighbours, locals and friends within the Kenmare community.

Gardaí later updated the investigation from a 'missing person' case to 'homicide' providing authorities with further powers and resources.

Last Friday (May 16), gardaí declared a crime scene as part of the investigation, and subsequently announced the discovery of partial human remains, while slurry was being spread on fields close to Michael Gaine's farmyard.

Searches continued to recover any further human remains. DNA analysis is being carried out to formally identify the recovered remains which are thought to be that of the missing farmer.

A man in his 50s was subsequently arrested for questioning but gardaí have confirmed he has now been released without charge.