The search has accelerated as the shoes and socks of missing Galway man Stephen Cunningham have been found

The shoes and socks of missing Galway man Stephen Cunningham have been found months after he went missing.

The 32-year-old was last seen on November 2, 2021 at around 11 a.m. in Galway city.

Gardaí ‘intensified’ the search for Stephen after his belongings were found near Maam Cross on Sunday.

Stephen’s family released an update following the find via Dunmore MacHales GAA and said they plan to carry out a thorough search of the area this weekend.

They said: ‘On Sunday we found Stephen’s shoes and socks lying in an open area between a small lake and a forest not far from Maam Cross.

“It bought a renewed interest in research. The Garda and their teams responded quickly to our discovery and the past few days have seen the operation intensify around the area where his shoes were found.

“We are looking for anyone and everyone willing to search this very marshy forest bog this weekend as we plan a thorough search of the area on Saturday and Sunday. We will meet at the Maam Cross car park both days at 9.30am.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported so far and anyone who can come either day would be greatly appreciated. Wellies, rain gear, high visibility and warm clothing are essential.

Stephen has been missing for five months and his disappearance prompted a major search in Galway.

He was seen on CCTV footage at Gannon’s petrol station in Westport, Mayo, on November 5, and at Dunnes stores in Briar Hill, Galway, the following day, November 6.

In both images, Stephen is wearing the same outfit: a cream/beige waist-length hooded jacket, blue jeans, and beige shoes.

A few days later, on November 10, his car, a silver Volkswagen Passat (08 G 3521), was found parked in Bunnakill, Maam Cross, Galway which gardaí said had been parked there since November 7.

A garda spokesperson said at the time: “Gardaí are asking for the public’s help in locating Stephen Cunningham, 32, who has been missing from Ballybrit, Galway since Tuesday 2nd November 2021.

“Stephen is described as being around 6’2” tall with a fine build, sandy/blonde hair and may have a beard and blue eyes.

“Stephen was last seen on November 2, 2021 at around 11 a.m. in Galway city. It is not known what he was wearing at the time. It is believed that Stephen may be in the Maam Cross/Clifden area of ​​Galway.