Search ends at home of murdered former garda in Cavan

Gardai end search after no body is found

Garda at the former home of John Keirns in Canningstown, Co Cavan where he was murdered in November 2012. Photograph: Lorraine Teevan
Garda at the former home of John Keirns in Canningstown, Co Cavan where he was murdered in November 2012. Photograph: Lorraine Teevan

Gardaí have ended a search at a house in Cavan where they had believed a murder victim might have been buried.

No body was found after the rear patio of the home previously owned by an ex-garda was dug up.

Gardaí were searching for the remains of missing man Gerry Daly who disappeared almost two years ago. The house at Cornaveigh near Bailieborough belonged to his neighbour, former detective Garda John Kerins who was murdered there last November.

Yesterday, excavators removed the large amount of concrete that was laid at the rear of Mr Kerins’s house shortly after Mr Daly disappeared. Earlier this year Mr Daly’s disappearance became a formal murder investigation. The dig for the body which began on Monday, finished this afternoon with no body found.

READ SOME MORE

Mr Kerins and Mr Daly knew each other from their shared interest in dog-breeding for a security business and lived on the same road. At the time of his murder, Mr Kerins faced two charges of possession of stolen property, including plant and farm machinery, valued at €20,000.

Meanwhile two men in their 30s remain in custody at Carrickmacross Garda station after being arrested yesterday where they face questions about Mr Kerins’ murder. A number of searches are now taking place in the Baileborough area in connection with the case.

Gardai are still appealing for information and Bailieborough Garda Station can be contacted on (042) 966 5102.