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3 Jun
The search for a hiker missing in Killarney National Park since Wednesday night has ended with the tragic discovery of a body this morning.
Gardai have confirmed that, following the discovery of a body by Kerry Mountain Rescue today, the missing person appeal for John Dunne is being stood down.
"An Garda SÃochána would like to thank the Kerry Mountain Rescue, those who assisted with the search, the media and public for their assistance in this matter," said a spokesperson.
The body is being recovered, with the help of specialists from the Kerry Search and Rescue team, and will be taken for formal identification.
Tipperary man John Dunne failed to return to his accomodation near Killarney National Park on Wednesday night after a planned day's walking in the MacGillycuddy Reeks.
A regular visitor to the area and a keen mountain hiker, Mr Dunne was believed to know the paths and trails very well.
An extensive search, involving over 30 Kerry Mountain Rescue team volunteers, took place during daylight hours in the western part of the mountain range yesterday.
That search, supported by the Rescue 117 Coast Guard Helicopter, Kerry coast guard units using drones and search dogs from the national Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA), resumed at first light this morning.
It's understood that Mr Dunne had called the B&B where he was staying on Wednesday evening to say he had finished his day's hiking and would be returning.
When he failed to show late into the night - they raised the alarm. However, due to the difficult ground, the search could not start until early yesterday morning.