By Dionne Meehan
MURDERED Kerry farmer Michael Gaine was regular spectator at the Donegal International Rally, the Donegal News has learned.
Mr Gaine was a big fan of rallying and a talented rally driver and his love of the sport was celebrated at his funeral last weekend when one of his rally cars led the funeral cortege.
The popular Kerryman went missing from his farm in Carrig East just outside Kenmare on March 20 last.
During the weeks that followed, extensive searches were carried out and the missing person’s case was officially upgraded to homicide just over a month ago. Tragically, his partial remains were found almost one month ago when family members were spreading slurry.
On the lead up to his funeral last Saturday, a group of his friends at Killarney and District Motor Club (KDMC) restored a Ford Escort Mk2 that Mr Gaine last raced in 15 years ago. The car led a procession around the Co Kerry town as his remains were taken to their final resting place.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Mr Gaine’s friend said despite never competing in the Donegal International Rally, he attended a “hell of a lot” of rallies in the county.
“He was always in Donegal, even as a young man,” Mr Gaine’s friend said.
“If you are into rallying, you would either be in Killarney or Donegal. That is just the way it is.”