Search for missing Navan man Sean Farrelly comes to an end as body discovered

After 21 days the search for missing Navan man, Sean Farrelly has been stood down after the discovery of a body today. (Saturday).

A Garda statement issued this afternoon said: "Following the discovery of a body of man in Navan, Co Meath today, the missing person appeal in respect of 41-year-old Sean Farrelly has been stood down.

"An Garda Síochána would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance."

It's understood members of Meath River Rescue assisted by Irish Underwater Search & Recovery Unit (IUSRU) recovered the body in the River Boyne close to Stackallen at approximately 3pm.

Sean (41), had gone missing in the early hours of Saturday 23rd December, 2023 sparking a massive search operation that involved Meath River Rescue, Boyne River Rescue, Meath Civil Defence and hundreds of volunteers.

Speaking to the Meath Chronicle this evening, Christopher Rennicks of Meath River Rescue said the discovery of Sean's body was "a massive relief" and that "they were never going to give up until he had been recovered.

On behalf of MRR he extended his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sean and hoped that his recovery would bring some peace to them.

He also thanked all the volunteers who gave up their time and in particular to the members of Sean's GAA club, Simonstown GFC for all their support of the organisations involved in the search over the last three weeks.

In a statement Meath Civil Defence said: "It is with great sadness and relief for the family that the search on the river Boyne has concluded with the recovery of a body by members of Meath River Rescue this afternoon.

"We express our sincere condolences to Sean's wife, family and many friends at this sad and difficult time. May he Rest in Peace.

"We would like to thank all of our volunteers who were involved in the search over the past three weeks and all those who helped with the search and provision of food and refreshments."

Cllr Wayne Harding paid tribute to Meath River Rescue after the search in "very cold and unforgiving conditions."

"They do extraordinary work for the entire county. My condolences to this most recently bereaved family on what is a terrible tragedy to have been visited upon them."

The death notice for Sean has been released with funeral arrangements to follow:

The death has occurred following a tragic accident of Sean Farrelly (aged 41), Silverlawns, Navan, Co. Meath and formerly Galbolie, Bailieborough, Co. Cavan. Predeceased by his grandparents Michael and Margaret O Reilly, and his uncle Jim. Sean will be sadly missed by his heartbroken wife Karen, sons Aaron and Thomas, daughter Abigail, his loving mother Noreen and father Sean, brother Keith, sister Nicole, grandparents May and Mickey, mother and father in law Joan and Con Doherty, (Rathmore, Kerry), brothers in law Padraig, Damien and Evan, sister in law Grace, nieces Katie and Freya, nephews Barry and John, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and a large circle of friends.

The family would like to thank Meath River Rescue and all volunteers who helped in any way in the search and recovery to bring Sean home.