'He is loved' - Mother in plea to missing son as mystery surrounds disappearance

The mother of an Offaly man missing since last month has made an appeal to him on local radio.

Pauline Price was interviewed on Midlands 103 this week about the disappearance of her son Luke Price on January 14. The 27-year-old is originally from Geashill, Co Offaly, was last seen at his home in Mountkennet, Co Limerick on January 14. He had previously lived in Portlaoise.

Gardaí continue to see information in a bid to locate Luke who was last seen wearing a black coat, blue jeans and black boots.

Speaking on radio, his mother said: "It was only after his disappearance when we got together and all of a sudden we could see a line of dots and realised maybe he wasn't in the best state of health."

In a heartbreaking message directly to her son, she told him: "He's deeply, deeply missed and that he is loved and deserving of all the love in the world and we just need him to come home."

In a previous social media post, Pauline said: "Luke is well known in scouting communities in Portlaoise, Tullamore, Clara, Mountmellick and Edenderry. He's a chef. He's himself, a lovely, kind and resourceful young man when he's well. He has survival skills but didn't go prepared, as far as we know. Please help us find him."

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A statement on the Garda website says: "Gardaí are seeking the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 27-year-old Luke Price who was reported missing from his home in Mountkennet, Limerick city on Tuesday, 14th January 2025.

"Luke was seen at around 9:00pm on Tuesday evening.

"Luke is described as being approximately 6 feet in height with a slim build, auburn hair and blue eyes.

"When last seen, Luke was wearing a black coat, blue jeans and black boots.

"Gardaí and Luke's family are concerned for his wellbeing.

"Anyone with information on Luke’s whereabouts is asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061 212 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station."