Mike Gaine: Review of investigation announced as Kenmare prepares for funeral

The investigation into the disappearance and murder of Michael Gaine is set to be peer reviewed, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said on Friday, June 6, the day before Gaine's funeral in his native Co Kerry.

Harris said that "following the Michael Gaine investigation, we’re subjecting that to peer review, as I do think there’s learning for us around those who would commit crime and then attempt to dispose of the body, and often are successful in disposing of the body."

Harris was speaking on Friday at the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary, at the swearing in of 120 new gardaí.

He also said there would be a review into the investigation of the 2017 murder of Tina Satchwell in Co Cork. Earlier this week, Tina's husband Richard was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of her murder.

In both the Gaine and Satchwell investigations, the remains of each victim were eventually discovered in areas that had previously been searched.

3

Tina Satchwell was murdered in Co Cork in 2017; Michael Gaine was murdered in Co Kerry in 2025.

Gaine, 56, was reported missing from Kenmare, Co Kerry on March 21. Alongside their appeal to the public for information, Gardaí conducted searches on Gaine's farmyard and in the immediate vicinity. Irish Defence Forces personnel also assisted in the search.

On April 29, Gardaí announced that the missing person case had been reclassified as a homicide investigation and that a formal criminal investigation had commenced. Announcing the reclassification, Gardaí noted that they had not located Gaine's remains.

Later, on May 17, Gardaí announced that following searches in the area the night prior, a crime scene had been declared at lands in Carrig East, where Gaine's farmyard is located. Later that day, they confirmed that human remains had been located, which were later confirmed to be Gaine's.

It has been reported that the human remains were discovered in a slurry tank and that Gardaí believe Gaine had been dismembered.

The day after the human remains were discovered, Gardaí arrested a man - later revealed to be American farmhand Michael Kelley - on suspicion of murder.

Kelley, who had been living on Gaine's farmland but is now residing in Tralee in Co Kerry, was released without charge the following day; he continues to deny any involvement with Gaine's murder.

3

Michael Gaine was reported missing from Kenmare, Co Kerry on March 21.

The funeral arrangements for Michael Gaine were announced on June 1. 

Hundreds of people turned out to Finnegan's Funeral Home in Kenmare on Friday afternoon to pay their respects. Crowds are also expected for the funeral Mass at Holy Cross Church in Kenmare on Saturday morning, which will be livestreamed online here.

In a special tribute to Gaine, members of the Killarney and District Motor Club refurbished his beloved Ford Escort Mk2, which Gaine last competed in in 2011, for his final journey.

The club said on Friday that they will hold an honor guard on Saturday following the Mass at Holy Cross Church.