THE mother of a girl missing from Co. Tipperary since St Patrick's Day has told of her heartbreak, as Gardaí renew their appeal for information.
Elisha Gault, 14, was last seen on a bridge in Carrick-on-Suir shortly after 10pm on March 17.
A massive search operation has been under way for two days, with concern growing for the teenager's welfare.
The Carrick-on-Suir river rescue craft, Nenagh search and rescue and Waterford river rescue have been searching along the River Suir for Elisha, while the Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter has also been in the area, as well as Civil Defence and local volunteers.
Gardaí yesterday urged members of the public to check their properties, land and dash-cam cameras for signs of the 14-year-old, and have been conducting door-to-door inquiries in the local area.
Elisha's heartbroken mum, Grainne Gault, has taken to Facebook to beg for information, telling parents: “Hug your kids that bit tighter tonight, appreciate what you have got".
She added: "I want to sincerely thank everybody for their efforts in locating my baby girl but unfortunately, efforts have been in vain.
“If you know of her whereabouts, please let us know, all we are concerned about is her safety, if she is well, let ourselves or the guards know and we can call off all the search efforts.
“Thank you to all of the people of Carrick, parents, teenagers, sending well wishes and going out in that frosty weather to look for her.
“Thank you to the local Gardai, River Rescue, Civil Defence and anyone else I’ve missed."
Elisha is a student at the local Comeragh College and has been living on New Street, in Carrick, for more than a year with her family.
She is described at being between 5'10" and 6ft tall, with dyed blonde hair and blue eyes.
When last seen at around 10.15pm, she was walking on Dillon Bridge towards the Carrickbeg area on the Co. Waterford side of the town.
It is not known what the teenager was wearing when she went missing, but she did have a jacket on.
Anyone with any information or sightings of Elisha can contact:
Clonmel Garda Station - 052 617 7640
The Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111
