Gardaí believe a man who was reported missing over a decade ago may be living in Ennis.
James Lynch was last seen in Clones, Co. Monaghan in 2002 and was subsequently reported missing.
But a man who dropped off a hitchiker in Ennis last month believes that it may have been the missing man.
Members of the public are now being asked for their help in tracing this man.
James Lynch was last seen around 2 o'clock on the afternoon of January 6th, 2002 in Clones, Co. Monaghan and was subsequently reported missing after family and friends became concerned for his safety.
He hasn't been seen since but a man travelling from Cork to Ballyvaughan on April 15th this year, picked up a hitchiker, and having listened to his story, believes he may have discovered the missing man.
The hitchhiker is described as being in his 70's, 5"10 in height, with a medium build. He was bald and had a mustache.
He was wearing a black fleece coat, black trousers, a black wollen hat and was carrying a green gear bag on his shoulder.
The driver dropped the hitchhiker off on the Limerick Road in Ennis at around 9pm that night and the man walked in the direction of Clare Abbey Roundabout.
Having spoken to the man for much of the journey, the driver became concened and looked up a number of missing persons websites online.
He then contacted Gardaí who have since been in touch with family and friends.
Gardaí say James may go by other names including Michael, Anthony, Tony or Gerry and they're asking anyone who may have seen him, or who think they might know where he is, to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
