THE MOST SENIOR garda of the Clare Garda Division today appealed for Jack Dinan to come home.

The 19-year-old has been missing from Ennis since Tuesday.

Chief Superintendent John Kerin said: “Jack has done nothing wrong and he shouldn’t feel guilty about going missing for the past couple of days – his parents and family just want him home.”

Kerin said a large-scale search operation has been mounted.

“Over 50 gardaí have been involved at various stages of the search. A huge amount of resources has been allocated to the operation but there are no reports of any sightings today.”

Kerin said senior garda officers are meeting three times every day to review progress.

“Areas where Jack would have hunted with his father have been searched, along with outhouses and derelict buildings. We are getting great cooperation from everyone who knows Jack.

“Jack’s family are very decent people and your heart would go out to them,” Kerin said.

Firearm

It is understood that Jack has a legally-held firearm with him.

Kerin said: “It is always a concern when someone has a firearm. You would be foolish not to be concerned, but our main concern is for the welfare of Jack and for him to come home.”

Jack comes from the Considine Road area of Cloughleigh in Ennis. A neighbour of the Dinans, Breda Landy, said: “Our hearts go out to the parents. They are fantastic parents and Jack is a fantastic lad and I have known him since he a little boy going up and down the road.

All we are doing is praying and hoping that everything will turn out alright. Jack has never been in trouble in his life. He has wonderful parents. All I am doing is lighting a night light and praying, there is no more you can say.

“Everyone is just absolutely broken hearted for the family.”

Jack was last seen at his home on Considine Road at approximately 10am on Tuesday.

It is understood he may appear agitated or confused. He is described as being 6ft tall, of slim build, with black hair. He wears a tooth brace on his upper teeth. He may have been wearing a grey hoodie and a grey camouflage jacket when he left home.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact Ennis gardaí on 065 684 8100.

If you need to talk, contact:

• Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
• Aware 1800 804848 (depression, anxiety)
• Pieta House 1800 247247 or email mary@pieta.ie – (suicide, self-harm)
• Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833634 (for ages 13 to 19)
• Childline 1800 666666 (for under 18s)

Read: Gardaí search for missing teen who may be armed