Michael Gaine (56) was murdered in county Kerry in 2025. His partial remains were discovered on his farm.Gardai
Detectives arrested the man early Tuesday and brought him to a Garda [Irish police] station in county Kerry as the serious crime inquiry resumes.
A man aged in his 50s was arrested on Tuesday morning in connection with the investigation into the disappearance and death of the Kerry farmer, Michael Gaine (56), who vanished from his home near Kenmare in March 2025 and whose partial remains were later recovered from his farm.
Gardaí said detectives arrested the suspect in Tralee shortly after 8am and that he is being detained for questioning under Section 4 which permits up to 24 hours in custody before a person must be charged or released. The arrest is the second in the inquiry, after a separate arrest last May that resulted in no charge.
Investigators have said the new move follows the discovery of what officers described as new circumstantial evidence that they believe links the suspect to the killing. The operation is being led by the Serious Crime Unit in Kerry and is supported by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The case has shocked the local community. Gaine was last seen alive in Kenmare on March 20, 2025 when he went to buy phone credit, and he was reported missing the next day. In mid May a contractor spreading slurry on the farm encountered a blockage in a slurry spreader and later alerted Gardaí after what appeared to be human remains were found. Forensic teams later confirmed the remains were those of the missing man.
The last sighting of Michael Gaine buying phone credit in Kenmare.
Speaking to the Irish Times, following his disappearance, Michael's wife, Janice, said “He loved his home, he loved his farm, he loved his animals, he loved rallying, he had lots of friends, he was a very popular guy and his disappearance is totally out of character.”
The family have repeatedly appealed for information as detectives follow lines of enquiry.
An Garda Síochána said the investigation remains ongoing and asked anyone with information to contact the investigating officers.