Additional Coverage:
The family of missing Drogheda man Anthony Hanlon remains deeply distressed as detectives continue to be “baffled” by his unexplained disappearance more than 18 months ago. Anthony, who was 39 at the time, was last seen attending a hospital appointment in Drogheda in December 2024. Despite extensive Garda investigations, witness appeals, and thorough searches, no trace of him has ever been found.
His sister, Jessica Hanlon, revealed that investigators have conveyed their ongoing confusion about the case, leaving the family in a state of painful uncertainty. “They have told us they are baffled,” Jessica shared. “There is just no sign of Anthony and no explanation for what happened to him.”
The investigation has remained active, with gardai pursuing various leads in an effort to reconstruct Anthony’s final known movements. A Senior Investigating Officer was assigned to the case, and an incident room was established at Drogheda Garda Station to coordinate efforts.
Jessica expressed the emotional toll the lack of answers has taken on the family. She has voiced fears that something sinister may have occurred and continues to appeal for anyone with information to come forward.
Anthony was reported missing after he failed to return home following a hospital appointment. According to Jessica, he had been in a vulnerable state leading up to his disappearance, having visited several hospitals in the days prior-including University College Cork, the Mater Hospital, a 24-hour doctor, and Crosslanes in Drogheda-where he sought help but was discharged.
“He was looking for help, as apparently he was depressed but not suicidal,” Jessica explained. She also mentioned that Anthony had told the family he felt people were after him, though the truth of this remains unclear.
Before vanishing, Anthony was reportedly making positive changes in his life. Jessica noted, “He was very religious, so we don’t believe he would have taken his own life.” He had stopped using drugs and was scheduled to move into a new cottage just days after he disappeared.
Despite multiple search operations in the Drogheda area, including extensive sweeps of the River Boyne, gardai have yet to locate any sign of Anthony. CCTV footage obtained weeks after his disappearance shows Anthony was last seen at a Permanent TSB branch on O’Connell Street in Dublin on December 3, 2024. Authorities have spoken with a witness who saw him inside the bank and are working to gather additional footage that may shed light on his movements afterward.
An Garda Síochána has reiterated its concern for Anthony’s well-being and continues to appeal to the public for assistance. Anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, is urged to contact Drogheda Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line.
The family and authorities remain hopeful that new information will eventually bring clarity to this troubling case.