Separate searches still fail to yield any breakthrough in quest to find missing men

SEARCHES are ongoing for two young men missing in the Galway area – one of them last seen in early November, 2021, and the other unaccounted for since last week.

Ryan Moran (21), originally from the Killala area of Co. Mayo, was last seen in the early hours of Thursday morning, February 24, in the Seamus Quirke Road area of Galway city.

Since that sighting at around 5am, family and friends have been unable to make contact with Ryan, leading to major searches being carried out in the vicinity of the River Corrib over the past week.

The Coast Guard helicopter, Gardaí, Fire Brigade members, and volunteers have been involved in the searches with the family appealing for him to make contact with them.

The search was also joined by members of the Grainne Uaile Sub Aqua Club who had the unfortunate experience of having a hitch stolen from one of their boat trailers parked at the Galway Sailing Club last weekend.

A replacement hitch was quickly sourced in the club’s home base of Ballina, Co. Mayo, as their search efforts continued over last weekend and into this week.

Ryan Moran is described as being 5’ 8” in height, of slim build, with brown hair and blue eyes and when last seen was wearing a grey hoody and black jeans.

Meanwhile, searches and appeals for information into the whereabouts of Dunmore native, Stephen Cunningham (32), have been renewed this week.

He had been living in Tir na gCapall, Ballybrit, Galway city, but has not been seen since Tuesday, November 2 last.

Eight days later on Wednesday, November 10, his car – a silver VW Passat – was found parked near the N59 at Bunnakill, Maam Cross. Gardaí believe that the car may have been parked there since November 7.

Between November 2 and 6th last, there were sightings of Stephen at Ballaghderreen, Roscommon; at Londis, Castlebar; and a service station near Westport – all of those on Friday, November 5. He may also have visited Croagh Patrick that day.

The last sightings of Stephen Cunningham were in the Galway city area on Saturday, Nov. 6, at Dunnes Stores, Briar Hill and possibly in Middle Street, Galway city, at around 3.30pm that day.

Gardaí believe that Stephen may have visited a place of pilgrimage at Mám Éan (Maumeen), Maam Cross, in the general area of where Stephen’s car was located.

Volunteers, Gardaí and Irish Army units have been involved in extensive searches of the Maam Cross area since his disappearance but no trace of him has been found.

He is described as being 6’2” tall, of broad build, with blue eyes and red hair.

Anyone with information on either Ryan Moran or Stephen Cunningham is asked to contact Galway Garda Station, Mill Street, on 091-538000; the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111; or any Garda station.