Gardaí renew appeal for information on 35th anniversary of Philip Cairns disappearance

Philip Cairns was last seen in 1986.

On the afternoon of 23rd October 1986, Philip Cairns disappeared as he walked from his home to his school, Coláiste Éanna, Ballyoran. Despite a lengthy Garda investigation into trying to establish his whereabouts, he has never been located. Philip had left his new school, Coláiste Éanna, at 12.50pm and walked the short distance to his home at Ballyroan road, Rathfarnham. At 1.30pm, he gathered up his schoolbag and left his house to return to school. That was the last his family ever saw of Philip. Six days after Philip’s disappearance, his schoolbag was found in a laneway near the school. This laneway links Ann Devlin Road and Ann Devlin Drive. Some of Philip’s books were missing from the bag. Philip was described as being 5’2” in height, with short black hair. When last seen he was wearing his Colaiste Eanna school uniform, a grey jacket with black shoulder corners, grey school trousers, grey shirt and school pullover. On this, the 35th anniversary of his disappearance, Gardaí are renewing their appeal to the public for information.

"There may be persons who may have information in relation to Philips’ disappearance or Philip’s school bag and for whatever reason did not come forward. Following the passage of time and changing circumstances these people may now be in a position to assist us. There may be persons, who were young at the time of Philips’ disappearance and not in a position to provide An Garda Síochána with information, who may now be able to come forward. An Garda Síochána want to reassure anyone who comes forward that they will be treated sensitively and discreetly by investigating Gardaí, Even the smallest piece of information, which may seem insignificant, may assist the investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rathfarnham Garda station on 01 666 6500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.