Support continues in search for missing galway man
It is almost a full week since searches began Donal Greene, who went missing in the Templeport area last weekend, and the effort is continuing to attract large numbers of volunteers to help in tracing the whereabouts of the 22-year-old Galway man.
The Oranmore sport star, who plays both GAA and basketball for his local clubs was last seen in the Derrycassion area in the early hours of Saturday morning last, February 28, at approximately 5am.
Described as six-foot-three in height, of slim build, Donal was last seen wearing a white shirt and black trousers.
Divers from the Garda Sub Aqua Unit searched nearby rivers and lakes earlier this week while other volunteer dive organisations are continuing that task today.
Searches again resumed at 8am this morning, with locals and members of several organisations from across the country joining in with the search effort.
Since the young man's disappearance, the Templeport Resource Centre has also been commandeered for the purposes of acting as a hub from which to coordinate the search effort.
Gardai, experienced trackers and local guides are leading volunteers across lands between the Derrycassion area and Aughnasheelin, Co Leitrim, and search groups are walking in lines scanning large swathes of ground and marking off each area as they go.
Previously the search effort had focused on a densely forested area near Ballymacgovern, and south-west towards the town of Ballinamore.
Donal's father Sean told The Anglo-Celt earlier this week that the Greene family will remain “eternally grateful” for support they have received in the search for their son thus far.
Describing the level of support as “incredible”, Sean said: “Not just locally but friends and family from the Galway area, and from further afield as well.”
The Greene family believe their son, a keen and determined sports man, had left in a bid to make it back to Oranmore to tog out in time and play for beloved Maree Basketball Club, who he represents in the Men's First Division of the National League.
The family are also steeped in Scouting tradition, and the International Scouts Centre at Castlesaunderson has also been made available to the search effort, accommodating those travelling from far away.
“There are so many people willing and wanting to help its incredible. Every spare bed from Ballyconnell to Ballinamore has been put to our disposal,” said Sean.
Meanwhile, Garda are continuing their appeal to local farmers to check outlying lands and outhouses for any trace of the missing man.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballyconnell Garda Station on 049 952 61 02, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line or any Garda Station.