Gardai are appealing for information on a man who has been missing since Good Friday. Joseph Whelan (37) of Brindley Park, Ashbourne, was last seen in a housing estate in Virginia in Cavan on Good Friday.
His blue 02 Volkswagen Passat car was recovered on Sunday afternoon at Swiftbrook Glen housing estate between Ballyjamesduff and Virginia in Cavan.
He is described as being 6 foot in height and of strong build with dark coloured hair. Mr Whelan a father-of -three, left his home in Ashbourne, Co Meath at around 11pm on Good Friday to give a laptop back to his friend in Ballyjamesduff, Cavan.
Volunteers from Boyne Fisherman’s Rescue and Recovery Service have been searching the blackwater river in Virginia since last week.
His wife Sonya, who is five months pregnant has appealed for anyone with any infromation to come forward.
Mr Whelan was known to Gardai but only for minor driving offences several years ago.
Superintendent for the Bailieborough Garda District Leo McGinn,said gardai are “keeping an open mind” on the investigation and have not ruled out the possibility of foul play .
“We are following all lines of inquiry at this stage and can’t rule anything out,” he said.
He said the last contact Mr Whelan made with his family came at 1.23 am on Good Friday night, when his nine-year-old daughter had two missed calls from him.
Mr McGinn appealed for anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the area – or who may have information about this man’s whereabouts to contact Gardaí.
Anyone who has seen Mr Whelan or who can assist in locating him is asked to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01-801 0600, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.