Search for missing Mayo man stood down after discovery

THE search for missing Claremorris man, George Brennan (38), was stood down on Sunday morning following the discovery of his body at Fair Head, County Antrim. It is understood that he was hiking in the area when he had a fall.

George was spotted in the Spar Shop in Ballycastle on April 2 where he purchased some items and was carrying a blue-coloured back-pack at the time. When family became concerned some days later after not hearing from him, contact was made with the PSNI who issued clear CCTV footage of him in the shop in Ballycastle. He was wearing a black zip up top, dark jeans and runners at the time.

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Extensive search parties concentrated on the area between Ballycastle and Fair Head, much of which is inaccessible by car but used by hikers on a regular basis. Fair Head is the nearest point to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland which is just twelve miles across the sea.

Only on Saturday, the PSNI made another specific appeal in relation to the location of a blue-coloured backpack which Mr Brennan was seen carrying in Ballycastle. It stated: “We would ask that anyone who believes they may have seen this backpack, or who has information as to its whereabouts, get in touch.”

Sadly, the Northern Ireland Search and Rescue, who put so much into the search for George since news broke that he was missing, most likely in that region of Antrim, discovered the body at the weekend.

Family and friends back in Claremorris learned the sad news on Sunday of the passing of George. The family, who are widely known throughout the Claremorris region and much further afield, has expressed thanks and gratitude to all who joined in the extensive search over the last ten days. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.