Gardaí examining new information in Philip Cairns case

Updated / Friday, 23 Oct 2026 06:32

Gardaí are examining new pieces of information about the disappearance of a teenage schoolboy who went missing 40 years ago in Dublin.

Philip Cairns disappeared as he walked from home to his school, Coláiste Éanna in Rathfarnham.

The disappearance of the teenager is one of Ireland's most high-profile unsolved cases.

The 13-year-old disappeared on 23 October 1986.

He left school at 12.50pm and made the short journey to his family home on Ballyroan Road.

He later collected his bag and left to return to school, but never made it and was never seen again.

Six days after Philip's disappearance, his schoolbag was found in a laneway near the school.

The laneway links Ann Devlin Road and Ann Devlin Drive. Some of Philip's books were missing from the bag.

He was described as being 5.2ft, 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.

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RTÉ Archives: Search for Philip Cairns in 1986

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Over the past four decades since Philip's disappearance, gardaí have followed more than 1,600 lines of inquiry.

The investigation team, which continues to engage with the Cairns family, said it has received and continues to receive contact and information from the public on a regular basis.

Officers said the disappearance has been the subject of significant media attention in recent weeks and months, which has brought the case back to the forefront of popular discussion and has raised some new pieces of information.

A garda spokesman said: "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. Who 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.