Tragic update in search for missing pensioner as body is found

The person appeal for 73-year-old John McSweeney has been stood down following the discovery of a body of man this Sunday afternoon.

Mr McSweeney, from Athea in County Limerick was reported missing on Saturday January 6 - leading to gardai issuing an appeal for help from members of the public.

Hundreds of people took part in searches of the countryside, led by gardai, in bitterly cold temperatures over the last week.

In an update, this Sunday evening, a garda spokesperson thanked members of the public for their assistance.

"Following the discovery of a body of man in Athea, Co. Limerick, the missing person appeal in respect of 73-year-old John McSweeney has been stood down," they confirmed.

Minister of State Niall Collins - a TD for County Limerick - expressed his condolences to the family, friends and neighbours of Mr McSweeney.

He thanked everyone who has participated in the searches over the past week - An Garda Siocahana, the Coastguard, Abbeyfeale District Search and Rescue, Civil Defence, Search and Rescue Dog Association, the many volunteers and those who provided teas, coffees and sandwiches during the cold weather.

No funeral arrangements have been announced.