Tuesday, March 12, 2013

WELL KNOWN local businessman and journalist Jimmy Gahan yesterday spoke of his relief after his young daughter was found safe after sparking a five hour search on Sunday afternoon.
What should have been a weekend of celebration for the Gahan family in their Salville home turned into a Mother’s Day nightmare when Eliza (12), who was confirmed on Saturday, was discovered missing late Sunday afternoon.
As darkness fell, concern for the St. Senan’s pupil grew as appeals were made by family members and local businesses on Facebook for the public to be on the alert for her.
Eliza, a tall child with blond hair, was last spotted walking on the road, wearing bright red jeans, a grey hoodie and a purple sleeveless jacket, in the Brownswood area an hour after she was last seen at her home at 3 p.m.
She had, apparently, left the house without informing her parents or her brother and sister.
Gardai in Enniscorthy were first alerted at 5 p.m. that Eliza, youngest daughter of Jimmy and Dr. Mairead Kelly, had not been seen in two hours, and a thorough search was launched.
As temperatures dipped and the weather turned inclement, appeals were sent out on Facebook for Eliza. “My sister is missing and has been for hours,” posted Muireann Gahan. “We are all so scared and worried. Can you please keep an eye out.”
Finally, after five hours, the family was informed that Eliza was safe and well in Wexford town, and they were reunited with her in White’s Hotel, returning home at approximately 8 p.m.
“I don’t know how she ended up there yet,” said Mr. Gahan, a high profile freelance reporter for South East Radio and owner of Chapel Lane store Daybreak. He told this newspaper that she had been missing “for too long” and her absence caused him “unbelievable worry.”  He expressed his deep appreciation to the Gardai, neighbours and friends for their co-operation with the search.
People following the unfolding drama on Facebook were informed by Muireann that her sister had been found. “Everyone, thanks so much for your help and everything, it means the world. I am delighted to say she has been found in Wexford.”

[Full story in this week’s Echo]