Missing travel agent found in Paris

A Listowel travel agent who went missing while on a visit to Paris two months ago has been found.

A Listowel travel agent who went missing while on a visit to Paris two months ago has been found.

John Kennelly (47) was last seen leaving his hotel, the Meridien Etoile, Porte Maillot, at 7am on Sunday, September 9th, hours before he was due to fly home. He had told his wife, Marie, he was going for a walk and would be back in time to leave for the flight home.

Two of their three children were also in Paris to coincide with a trade fair in relation to Ms Kennelly's Listowel furniture business.

It is understood Mr Kennelly contacted a Paris police station early yesterday and the family was notified.

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A statement issued yesterday evening on behalf of the family by solicitor Louis McDonough, of Listowel, said Mr Kennelly was receiving medical attention and the family were travelling to Paris to be with him.

No explanation has been given as to what caused his disappearance.

"At present John's family has no more details other than those already in circulation," the solicitor's statement said. The family also appealed for privacy.

A member of the local rotary and rugby clubs, and father of three children aged 21, 18 and seven, Mr Kennelly is a respected and well-known figure locally and his disappearance caused shock in the community.

A search was launched and several friends of Mr Kennelly travelled from Co Kerry to Paris to search for him. Appeals were also issued to those arriving in Paris during Ireland's matches for the rugby world cup.

Prayer vigils were held and more than 1,200 people signed a book of solidarity and support during a two-hour ceremony at St Mary's Church in Listowel in early October.