One of Ireland's longest missing person cases issues reminder after 28 year search
One of the young teen’s last sightings was in Galway where he met with members of his family
One of Ireland’s longest missing person cases has issued a reminder to the public as today marks the 28th year of a young teenager’s disappearance.
Seán Ryan was just 17 when he left his Downpatrick home in Down, boarded a bus from Belfast to Galway before vanishing without another trace.
Seán took out £300 from his Post Office savings account before leaving for the Galway bound bus.
The teen was seen on September 2 1998 by family members in Galway whom he told he was going away for a few days.
A few days later, another sighting was confirmed along the Ennis to Lahinch road in Clare where a fisherman gave the young teenager a lift dropping him off to a nearby hostel.
In that first week, Seán also chatted to a garda but they did not suspect that there was any problem as he told the officer he was touring around Ireland for a while.
His last sighting was near the Cliffs of Moher and there has been no more sightings since September 5.
Gardai did carry out an extensive search along the coastline and sea around Clare and Galway in 1998 but there was no discovery.
Seán was 5ft 7in at the time of his disappearance with a medium build, hazel eyes and a mole on his left cheek and was wearing a brown, fur-lined jacket with a fur collar, blue jeans and black boots.
He was also wearing a silver ring on one of his fingers and was carrying a shoulder bag with a CAT logo.
Missing Person’s Support Ireland has told the public to keep Seán’s family in their thoughts and prayers as they enter their 28th year of his disappearance.
They said: “Anyone with information is asked to contact Downpatrick PSNI station on 028 4462 5011. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or use their online reporting service.
“Alternatively, phone/text Missing People charity on 116 000 or email [email protected] quoting reference 98-001195. If you are calling from Ireland, call +00 44 208 392 4545. Sightings and information about any missing person can also be given anonymously through the Missing People website.
“Seán can call the Missing People charity’s Message Home service on Freefone 0800 700 740 where he can pass a confidential message to his family.
“If you have seen Sean or have news of his whereabouts, please call the confidential 24 hour charity Missing People on Freefone 0500 700 700. From Republic of Ireland call 00 44 208 392 4545.”
The PSNI have also issued a statement on his 28-year missing anniversary.
A spokeswoman said: “Police investigating long term missing person Sean Ryan are renewing their appeal for information on the approach to the 28th anniversary of his disappearance.
“Sean, from Ardmore Avenue in Downpatrick was 17-years-old when he was last seen by his family at around 9am on Tuesday 1 September 1998. It is believed he may have later made his way to Belfast where he boarded a bus to Galway.
“Police are aware of a further two confirmed sightings of Sean in the Doolin area of Co Clare, on Saturday 5 September 1998 however there have been no other confirmed sightings reported since.
“Despite extensive enquiries being carried out, his whereabouts remains unknown. Police are appealing to anyone who believes they may have information about Sean, his disappearance or his whereabouts to come forward by calling 101.
“You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.”