Gardaí praise power of social media after 12-year-old boy Liam Goodwin located safe and well

Some good news for a change.

An Garda Síochána have confirmed that Liam Goodwin, a 12-year-old boy that went missing from his family after school on Monday, has been reunited with his family. A statement issued on Tuesday morning (30 April) reads: "Liam was located safe and well a short time ago and has been reunited with his family. An Garda Síochána and Liam’s family would like to thank each and every person who shared the post on social media, the Civil Defence and all the members of the public who assisted us in searching for Liam."

Chief Superintendent Finbarr Murphy, speaking on Tuesday morning, said: "I would like to sincerely thank everyone in Rathcoole and the surrounding community for their wonderful response to our call for assistance this evening in finding Liam. The people of Rathcoole can be extremely proud of their community and their response this evening.

"I also want to thank everyone throughout the country who shared the information on the various social media platforms. Tonight showed how powerful social media can be when used in the right way.

"I also want to thank Sergeant Mark Gallagher and Inspector Ronan Barry for co-ordinating the community effort and the support units such as Air Support, Roads Policing and our control centre. Liam is home and safe with his family, thanks to all your work. Well done and sleep well."