Northern Ireland

Martin Kelly: Police renew appeal for missing Co Down man

Last seen with friends at a Belfast bar on New Year’s Day 19 years ago, Martin Kelly’s remains have never been recovered

Martin Kelly.
Martin Kelly.

POLICE have renewed their appeal for missing Co Down man Martin Kelly, 19 years after he was last seen at a Belfast bar with friends.

Detective Inspector Stephen Harvey said the disappearance has had “a profound impact on his family.”

This includes his father Raymond Kelly, who earlier this week told the Irish News why he would never give up the fight for answers.

Martin (22) who worked as a plumber and part time at the Priory Inn at Holywood, had worked on New Year’s Eve in 2005 before going to two house parties with friends.



Det Insp Harvey added: “On New Year’s Day, he and his friends went to Pat’s Bar in Garmoyle Street to watch a football match.

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“The friends left and Martin remained in the bar talking to other customers. He left at about 7.10pm and hasn’t been seen since.

“Martin, who is about 6ft 1in tall and of slim build with short dark hair, was wearing a black ‘Guinness’ T-shirt and blue jeans.”

Searches on land and water had included deploying the diving team and air support team.

A montage of photographs of missing Holywood man Martin Kelly compiled by his mother Karen in the months after his disappearance in 2006 Picture: Mal McCann
A montage of photographs of missing Holywood man Martin Kelly compiled by his mother Karen in the months after his disappearance in 2006 Picture: Mal McCann

“We have also undertaken extensive enquiries but despite conducting a wide range of interviews and reviewing all available CCTV relating to the incident, Martin has not been located,” Det Insp Harvey said.

“We remain committed and determined to discovering what happened to Martin and detectives will continue to follow up all new lines of enquiry and any new information.

“Police would urge anyone who may have knowledge of Martin’s disappearance to contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

“Information can be given to detectives by calling 101, the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or Missing People on 116 000.”