Body recovered in search for missing Navan man

LOUISE WALSH

A body has been recovered from the River Boyne at Navan this morning by rescue groups searching for a missing local man.

Members of Meath River Rescue and Meath Civil Defence had been searching the Boyne and Blackwater Rivers for Derek Gallagher from Silverlawn, who went missing on November 30th. 

A body was recovered from the Boyne this morning at Blackcastle by Meath Civil Defence and Navan Fire and Rescue.

Members of various voluntary groups as well as the Garda Water Unit and the Army had been involved in the lengthy search for the popular 36-year old man.

Chairman of Meath River Rescue Christopher Rennicks said everyone involved in the search were relieved to be able to get the body back to the family for closure.

"Meath River Rescue volunteers were out Christmas Day and today in an all-out effort to get Derek back to his family.  We're delighted that he was found but also very saddened for the family, to whom we extend our sincere sympathies."

Meath River Rescue were involved in the search and recovery of five people from the River Boyne in the last year including John Stokes who was found last week, after a month long search.