Garda appeal ‘remains active’ for County Roscommon resident missing for five years

A missing person appeal for a man who disappeared from his home in Strokestown five years ‘remains active’, Gardaí have confirmed.

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

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.

It is understood that Mr Martinkus, who was 29 years of age when he went missing, had been living and working in the Strokestown area for two years, having previously resided in Dungannon in County Tyrone.

In December 2018 and January 2019, a number of searches took place in the local area, 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.

Gardaí confirmed to the Roscommon Herald this week that they are still treating the case as a missing person investigation. “An Garda Síochána’s missing person appeal remains active,” a spokesperson said.

The National Missing Persons Helpline Ireland (www.missingpersons.ie), a registered charity, has also issued an appeal to trace his whereabouts.

Separately, a European wide missing persons website has suggested that Mr Martinkus went missing in Lithuania in October 2019, almost a year after his disappearance in Strokestown. “Tomas disappeared from Lithuania on October 29th, 2019 at the age of 30. He has never been seen again. If you have any information please contact Interpol,” said the website.

Queried about this information on the missing persons website, a Garda spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána does not comment on third party material. Any query concerning an appeal in another jurisdiction should be directed to the relevant authorities there.” Strokestown based Senator Eugene Murphy, who was involved in the searches five years ago for the missing man, described the case as very strange. “It’s very sad, and very sad for the family of this man,” he said.

Mr Martinkus is described as being 5 foot 9 inches in height, of slight build with brown hair and blue eyes. At the time of his disappearance, it is believed he was wearing a dark hooded top with dark pants/tracksuits bottoms.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardaí in Strokestown on 071-9633002, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.