A SEARCH was due to resume this morning for a 62-year-old man who has been missing amid freezing temperatures in west Co Limerick since last Monday night.
Joe Noonan, was reported missing from Granagh, Ballingarry, one of several parts hit hardest by treacherous snow and ice conditions.
Limerick was one of the hardest-hit counties hit by the freeze last night, with Met Eireann recording bitter -8C temperatures at Limerick Junction.
A land and air search for the missing man began yesterday across frozen fields, ditches, farms and byways.
A team of local volunteers, assisted by Gardai, as well as the Shannon-based Irish Coast Guard rescue helicopter, Rescue 115, carried out a comprehensive search of the Granagh area in difficult conditions before the operation was stood down for the night.
A missing person notice shared online by several community groups in the area, stated Gardai were seeking the assistance of people in the Granagh, Ballingarry and Croom area in locating Mr Noonan.
Mr Noonan is described as approximately 5’ 9” in height, of stocky build and last seen wearing a knee-length grey coat and black wool hat.
The community notices asked people in the surrounding areas “to search outhouses and sheds” and report any sightings to Newcastle West Garda Station and or Henry Street Garda Station.
A local source said: “Searches for Joe are to begin from the hall in Granagh at approximately 10am Thursday morning.
“Anyone available, have suitable clothing and footwear, as conditions are very difficult, and are more than likely to worsen over night.
“A search plan will be decided upon tomorrow morning. Any help will be greatly appreciated.”
In a second appeal in Limerick, Gardai sought the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 27-year-old Hubert Szubiak who was reported missing from his home in Bruff yesterday.
Mr Szubiak is described as being approximately 5 feet 9 inches in height with a slim build, brown hair and brown eyes.
When last seen, he was wearing a black hoodie with blue writing, black pants, and glasses, and may have been driving a grey Audi A6 with 09-MH registration plate.
Anyone with information on Mr Szubiak’s whereabouts is asked to contact Bruff Garda Station on 061 382 940, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
