MORE THAN 100 local people have been involved in the search for a Co Offaly teenager who has been missing since the early hours of Sunday morning.
Shane Gavin (17) was last seen at 12.15am in the lobby of the Portarlington Golf Club in Co Laois, where he was attending an 18th birthday party.
He was supposed to take a bus from the golf course back into the centre of Portarlington, a distance of four kilometres (2.5 miles).
He left the golf club wearing only a long-sleeve T-shirt, although conditions were extremely cold.
His sister Christine Gavin said, “He always texted and let us know if he is staying out. He has never done anything like this before.”
The Garda co-ordinated local people and the Civil Defence, who searched a large area around the golf course from yesterday morning until dark.
The road back to Portarlington, all side-roads and the fields surrounding them were searched, as was the area from Portlaoise to Walsh Island in Co Offaly where Mr Gavin lives.
The Garda Air Support Unit was also involved in the search and a Civil Defence boat searched the river Barrow.
Mr Gavin left school last year. He is popular locally and played for the well-known Walsh Island GAA club. He is one of four children.
Insp John Nolan from Portlaoise Garda station said Mr Gavin had only been missing for a relatively short period, but his family were concerned because his disappearance was “totally out of character”.
“We have had a fantastic response and a big turnout. Everybody is trying to help the family in any way they can,” he said.
Mr Gavin is 185cm (6 ft 1in) tall, with brown hair and a tight haircut. He also wears glasses. He was last seen wearing a blue-and-white striped T-shirt and jeans.
The search will resume at 9am from the golf course, when a large number of locals are again due to take part.
Anybody with information should contact Portarlington Garda station on 057 86 23112.
