Missing Carlow teenager may be with man (24)

Gardaí in Co Carlow are searching for a 14-year-old schoolgirl who is believed to have gone missing in the company of a 24-year-old man.

Gardaí have launched a nationwide appeal for information on the whereabouts of Amanda Shine from Tullow Road in Carlow, who has been missing since Monday last.

The teenager was last seen leaving the Presentation College on Hacketstown Road where she attends school at 1 p.m. on Monday.

Amanda's family believe she has run away with a man from the locality, 10 years her senior.

The pair are understood to have run away two weeks ago but on that occasion the teenager returned home safely.

The girl's mother, Ms Valerie Shine, appealed to the public this morning on RTÉ Radio for help in locating her daughter.

Ms Shine appealed directly to her daughter to come home, saying: "Amanda if you're listening please come home. We love you."

Gardaí refused to confirm whether they were looking for the 24-year-old in connection with Amanda's disappearance.

Amanda is described as five foot six inches in height, of medium to heavy build with long brown hair. When last seen she was wearing a denim jacket, a grey top with the school logo and blue track suit bottoms with white runners.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Gardaí at Carlow Telephone No: 0503 31505 or the Garda Confidential Number 1-800-666-111.