Six-year search for missing Roscommon man stood down after skeletal remains found on farmland

A six-year search for a missing man has been stood down after skeletal remains were found on farmland in Co Roscommon.

Lithuanian national Tomas Martinkus, 29, went missing from his home in Strokestown on December 19, 2018. He was seen at around 5am on that date when he went to bed, and the last sighting of him was at about 8.45am later that morning, presumably having left for work.

Tomas had been living and working in the Strokestown area for two years at the time of his disappearance, previous to this he resided in Dungannon, Northern Ireland.

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He is described as being five foot nine inches tall of slight build with brown hair and blue eyes and it was believed he was wearing a dark hooded top with dark pants/tracksuits bottoms.

At the time of his disappearance, Gardaí issued an appeal to anyone in the Forgehill estate or the Strokestown area that may have given Tomas a lift or may have seen him to get in touch.

A number of searches took place in the local area in December 2018 and January 2019, including around Strokestown Park House and the woods beside the nearby golf course. CCTV footage was also examined in an attempt to trace his last movements.

However, in a tragic update, Gardaí confirmed on Tuesday (January 7) that the missing person appeal had been stood down following the discovery of remains.

Gardaí in Roscommon received a report of the discovery of skeletal remains on farmland near Strokestown on December 1, 2024.

A technical examination of the scene was carried out and the remains were subsequently determined to belong to Tomas.

The Lithuanian national was identified through DNA analysis, with Gardaí not suspecting foul play. A file will now be prepared for the Coroner.

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