Gardaí search in Limerick for missing Offaly man who lived in Laois

A garda-led search has reportedly been mounted in Limerick for a missing Offaly man who had been living in Laois in the months before his disappearance in January.

A land and water search got underway on Wednesday, April 17, as part of efforts to locate a missing person.

It's understood that the search relates to the investigation into the whereabouts of Luke Price, aged 27,  who is originally from Geashill, Co Offaly. He had travelled from his home in Ballyfin near Portlaoise to Limerick on January 14 but has not been seen since.

It's understood that Gardaí are working with the Abbeyfeale Search and Rescue Service and Civil Defence on wetlands in the vicinity of the Condell Road, Limerick City. A dog search was deployed, as normal, in the search along River Shannon.

It's reported to have been initiated on the back of CCTV footage of Mr Price’s last known movements.

The search was undertaken in the days after missing man's mother, Pauline Price, posted a new appeal on social media three months after he went missing.

"Unfortunately, there still is no sign of his being located, but thanks to the generosity of spirit & kindness of new friends and old a nationwide search for him has been undertaken.

"This has involved the gardai, local media, national media and social media and an army of volunteers on the ground, water and also the air. A massive poster campaign has been undertaken nationally, reaching from Donegal to Cork, Dublin to Galway and many, many places in between. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

"This has produced many reported sightings of persons resembling Luke. All of these have been eliminated from enquiries.

"The search continues and the official enquiry into the disappearance of Luke, or Gabriel as he sometimes prefers, is ongoing.

"Please remember that his appearance may have changed over the past three months. He may have lost weight, his hair may have grown, as might his facial hair, or he could've shaved it off.

"His clothes may have changed too or maybe they haven't, in which case they wouldn't be in good condition anymore. He may appear dirty, dishevelled, gaunt and unkempt. He could be living rough. He could be confused or disoriented. He may even have forgotten who he is!

"Luke Price is my son's given name but he may not answer to it. There is a strong possibility that he is using the name Gabriel. Prior to his disappearance, he had started using his middle name.

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"He may also be using a different surname, as he has many times stated an intention to change it to my maiden name of Kelly. Therefore, Luke Price, as we know him, may now be answering to the name Gabriel Kelly. He may, in fact be a completely different person," said his mother's post.

Shea appealed to people to do three things if they see him: Get a picture, as this has proven one of the easiest ways of discounting potential misidentifications; chat - ask how he is; call the guards as soon as possible.

His mother urged people to remain vigilant and contact gardai on 999 or Henry St Garda Station on 061212400 if they see someone who could be Luke.

"Help us find him, please," concluded the facebook appeal.