A search is underway in Co Wicklow today for a young man who is missing since the early hours of Sunday morning.
James Sheehan (18) with an address at Ballyduff road, Arklow in Wicklow was last seen leaving the nightclub in his hometown at around 2.38am on Sunday morning.
He is described as being 189cm (6ft 2in) in heigh, and of athletic build, with short, tightly cut red hair. He was wearing a light grey Henley hoodie with a neon orange lining, blue jeans and tan Kickers shoes.
A friend of the Sheehan family spoke to The Irish Times and appealed for information about the missing man.
"I last spoke to him on Friday and he was in grand form. We were chatting, laughing away and slagging each other. He's a great kid. He's sports mad and supports Liverpool. We're all in shock and hope that he returns home safely."
"His brother Anthony is in bits about this. It's very tough for him because they're very close brothers."
"I'd ask anyone out there if they know anything, whether it's good or bad, to come forward and tell the gardaí. The family are grateful for the support of the Arklow community in helping to find James."
Inspector Mary Aldridge said "Investigations are ongoing. We will search the river and river bed in Arklow. There is nothing to indicate that he is there but we are checking it so that we can eliminate the river from all the places we are searching."
"The last sighting of James was at 2.50am and he was spotted going back into Arcklow. There was some activity on his phone up until 5.10am."
Speaking on East Coast FM earlier today, Mayor of Arklow town, Peter Dempsey said that hundreds of local people had come out to help with the search operation.
"The whole community in Arklow is looking and searching for this young man. We don't know what the circumstances are yet. We met with the police this morning to co-ordinate the search in a better manner," said Mr Dempsey.
"Well done to the local people for coming out in their hundreds to help with the search."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Arklow Garda station on 0402 32304, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
Separately, gardaí are also seeking the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Tomas Cronin (27) who has been missing since earlier this month.
Mr Cronin was last seen on Leopardstown Avenue, south Dublin on Wednesday, August 8th. It is thought he may have travelled to the UK but this cannot be confirmed.
He is described as being 180 (5ft 9in) in height with green eyes, brown hair and of heavy set. A Garda spokesman said Mr Cronin is on medication and it was important this medication was taken daily.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Blackrock Garda station.