Priest makes heartfelt plea urging anyone with information on missing Kyran Durnin to come forward

Exclusive: Fr Aidan Murphy said “Everyone is thinking of him."

A Co Louth priest has made a heartfelt plea urging those with information on missing Kyran Durnin to come forward - amid fears he was killed more than two years ago.

Eight-year-old Kyran, who was reported missing from his home in Drogheda on August 30, is now presumed dead.

Gardai in Drogheda launched a murder investigation this week as despite extensive enquiries they have been unable to locate the young boy or identify evidence of his current whereabouts or if he is alive.

READ MORE: Gardai believe they 'know who was responsible for little Kyran's death'

The young boy, who has two siblings, was six when he was last seen in May 2022 leaving gardai fearing he may have been dead for more than two years.

And despite a major search and repeated public appeals for help in tracing Kyran, no sign of the boy has been found.

Gardai said it took the decision to launch a murder investigation because they have found no evidence he is alive and an incident room has been set up at Drogheda Garda Station.

Now, local priest Fr Aidan Murphy of St Peter’s in Drogheda has made a heartfelt plea for those who know anything about the whereabouts of Kyran or what has happened to home to “come forward with information.”

Fr Murphy said “Prayers are being said in the town for Kyran. Everyone is thinking of him. “I would appeal for those who know anything to come forward to the gardai,” said Fr Murphy. "And obviously we will support whatever can be done to find the little boy and want it to be a positive end.”

This comes as shocked locals are preparing to gather to hold a candle lit vigil for Kyran on Sunday to show their love and support for the missing eight year old boy.

The vigil is to take place on the steps of St Peter’s Church in Drogheda on Sunday, October 20 at 7pm.

Locals have been sharing a notice of the vigil on social media which states: “Show your love and support for Kyran. Peaceful gathering, bring your candles, say your own little prayer for this poor, precious boy Kyran. Let's light up St Peter’s steps Sunday at 7pm.”

Earlier we revealed gardai now believe they know who was responsible for little Kyran’s death - but don’t have enough evidence to arrest them.

And a source said: “It is probable he has been dead for more than two years. If he disappeared and is now dead, it is a logical next step that his remains have been disposed of or hidden in some location. As well as the murder inquiry, we are also focused on finding his remains. They have to be somewhere.”

The Child and Family Agency, Tulsa, confirmed it is working closely with officers. Gardai have reiterated their appeal for anyone with any information on Kyran to come forward.

They say any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, from members of the local community, neighbours, teachers and the public at large will be welcomed by the investigation team.

Anyone with any information in relation to the case is asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041-9874200, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any garda station.

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