New information 'being examined' 40 years after disappearance of Philip Cairns
13-year-old Philip Cairns disappeared as he walked from his home to his school in 1986
Gardaí say they are examining new evidence into the disappearance of Philip Cairns, 40 years on from when the school boy vanished.
On the afternoon of October 23, 1986, Philip Cairns disappeared as he walked from his home to his school, Coláiste Éanna, in Rathfarnham, Dublin 16. Despite an ongoing active Garda investigation into trying to establish his whereabouts, he has never been located.
Philip, aged 13, 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 who never made it back to school that day.
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 Coláiste Éanna school uniform, a grey jacket with black shoulder corners, grey school trousers, grey shirt and school pullover.
On this, the 40th anniversary of his disappearance, Gardaí are renewing their appeal to the public for information.
Over the past four decades since Philip’s disappearance, Gardaí have followed over 1,600 lines of enquiry. The Garda investigation team have received and continue to receive contact and information from the public on a regular basis.
The Garda investigation team continue to engage with the Cairns family.
The disappearance of Phillip has been subject of significant media attention in recent weeks and months which has brought his disappearance very much back to the forefront of popular discussion and has raised some new pieces of information.
Similar to all previous information received, this recent information provided to the Garda investigation team is being examined and assessed to determine what, if any, evidential value it may provide.
An Garda Síochána would appeal to anyone with any information on the disappearance of Philip Cairns, no matter how insignificant they think it may be, to not assume that An Garda Síochána has that information, or that it is not relevant. Please contact the Garda investigation team.
There may be individuals who:
- As a result of the recent media attention, are now in a position to speak with the Garda investigation team
- Have information in relation to Philip’s disappearance or his schoolbag and for whatever reason have not come forward
- Were young at the time of Philip’s disappearance and not in a position to provide An Garda Síochána with information, but may now be able to do so.
With the passage of time and changing circumstances these people may now be able to come forward and in a position to assist An Garda Síochána and provide answers to Philip's family.
An Garda Síochána wants 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.