A MAJOR SEARCH operation for a woman missing off the coast Silverstrand, Co Galway, has concluded for the day and will recommence in the morning for a fourth day.

The search was launched after reports that a woman in her 30s and a man in his 70s were missing from the same beach, in separate incidents.

On Tuesday evening, the search team located the body of the man who was later identified as renowned singer and songwriter Johnny Duhan (74). 

Concern was raised for the welfare of the woman when she did not arrive for work and the search was upgraded when her car was located at Silverstrand.

Duhan’s body was found at lunchtime Tuesday, but an extensive search from the docks in Galway city to Spiddal in Connemara failed to yield any sign of the missing woman.

Gardaí say they are treating the two incidents separately but Supt Paudie O’Shea said they are keeping an open mind on what happened.

Over 250 volunteers joined rescue teams in the search along the shoreline, while a variety of crafts searched the water throughout the day yesterday. 

The search is set to resume tomorrow morning at first light.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people sympathised with the family of Duhan in Barna this evening.

A Garda stood on duty at the road leading to Silverstrand as the hearse carrying Mr Duhan’s remains arrive across the road at the Church of Mary Immaculate Queen in Barna.

Sympathisers began arriving at the church early in the afternoon and the car park was full as the remains of the 74-year old songwriter lay in repose from 5-7pm.

For Johnny Duhan, there will be a private removal tomorrow, 15 November, from his house to St Killian’s Church New Inn (H53 H978) for a 1pm funeral mass.

He will be buried in Killaan Cemetery, Woodlawn.

The family has said that the house will be private at all times.

With reporting from John Fallon