WATCH: Wife and sister of missing Kenmare farmer make emotional appeal for information

The wife and sister of Michael Gaine, the farmer who was reported missing from Kenmare in Co Kerry last month, have spoken out today, Wednesday, April 30, issuing an emotional plea for information.

Janice Gaine, Michael's wife, and Noreen O'Regan, Michael's sister, were speaking after An Garda Síochána announced that the missing person investigation had been reclassified as a homicide investigation.

"He was my best friend, my husband," Janice said in a video shared by An Garda Síochána Kerry today.

"This whole thing has been devastating.

"He loved his home, he loved his farm, he loved farming. He loved his animals. He loved rallying. 

"He had lots of friends. He was a very popular guy.

"His disappearance is totally out of character, but we knew that from day one.

"If there's anybody that has any information about Michael, do please come forward and talk to the gardai. 

"We just want Michael to come home. We want to know what happened to him.

"Because if we can't find Micahel, I just don't know what I'm going to do, what his family, his sister Noreen ..."

Janice reiterated: "We just want Michael to come home."

Michael's sister Noreen O'Regan, seated beside Janice, said: "Michael was a loving husband, brother, uncle. His nieces and nephews loved him. 

"We are absolutely heartbroken as what has happened. We are devastated. Our lives are shattered. We want answers.

"We love Michael; we want him back."

Noreen continued: "I'm appealing with anyone with any information of what happened to Michael.

"Michael went to the farm on the 20th of March and it was his routine to his animals. He never returned home.

"We are devastated and we want him back."

In an update today, An Garda Síochána said that Michael Gaine was last seen on Thursday, March 20, and was reported missing from his home near Kenmare in Co Kerry the following day.

"Based on the entirety of the information available to the investigation team at Killarney Garda station, we have reclassified the missing person investigation as a homicide investigation," An Garda Síochána said.

"A formal criminal investigation has now commenced and we are seeking information from any person who can assist us in bringing Michael back to his family."

An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to any person who may have any information on what happened to Michael to contact the Garda investigation team.

Information received will be treated with the strictest confidence, An Garda Síochána said.

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 members of An Garda Síochána.