Search for missing student ends in tragedy

The body of missing student Mark Casey has been recovered in Limerick. Mr Casey (19) was one of two students who went missing within 24 hours of each other while socialising in the city.

Searches are still under way for Steven Kavanagh (21), who was last seen in the early hours of March 6th last.

A native of Ballyinasragh, Killeigh, Tullamore, Co Offaly, Mr Casey was a student at NUI Galway.

He left Angel Lane nightclub on Robert Street in Limerick city at about 1.30am on Friday, March 7th, where he had been on a night out to celebrate a friend’s birthday.

He was last seen on CCTV at 2.20am heading towards the Dublin Road.

Body recovered

His body was recovered at 11.30am on Saturday at the canal bank in Rhebogue following searches since his disappearance.

Volunteers from Tullamore had travelled to Limerick every day since his disappearance; his uncle was one of the members of a search party who made the tragic discovery at the canal.

His brother James was also among family members who had travelled to Limerick to help with the searches.

Last week he said that his brother was unfamiliar with Limerick.

“He had no clue of where he was – we are from a small village in Offaly and this was all new to him. He was supposed to be staying in the Kilmurray student village but he never got there.”

Survived by his parents John and Catherine, brothers James and Derek and sister Shirley, Mr Casey will be buried tomorrow after 11am Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Killeigh.

Air and sea searches

Meanwhile, and air and sea searches are continuing around the Limerick area for Mr Kavanagh, who is vice-president of the students’ union at Limerick Institute of Technology.

He is studying mechanical engineering.

He is described as being 5ft 10in tall with tight, brown hair and a slight build.

He had also been socialising in Limerick city during UL’s charity week and was last seen in the Clonlara area at 2.30am on March 6th.

He was wearing blue jeans, a blue Limerick FC jacket and black runners.

River and canals

A major search is covering the river Shannon, canals, walkways and farm land and also involves the Shannon-based Coast Guard helicopter.

Naval Service divers and the Carrick-On-Suir search and rescue service are also aiding the search.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Henry Street Garda station in Limerick on 061-212400.