Broadcaster appeals for information to solve the mystery of his missing cousin

Philip Cairns was 13 when he disappeared. 

Broadcaster and writer Gareth O’Callaghan has issued an appeal for information in a bid to solve the mystery of his missing cousin, Philip Cairns, who disappeared without trace in 1986 at the age of thirteen.

Philip Cairns remains one of the most high-profile missing person cases in Ireland. The teenager vanished on the afternoon of October 23, 1986. He was 13.

Philip left his new school, Coláiste Éanna, at 12.50pm and made the short journey to his home at Ballyroan Road, Rathfarnham in Dublin. Forty minutes later he picked up his bag and left the family home to return to school. He was never seen again.

Mr O’Callaghan posted on social media that his missing cousin is in danger of being forgotten.

He is appealing to members of the public who have information on the case to come forward — even at this late juncture.

“There have been book chapters, true crime theories and television reports over the years, and mind-blowing accusations that have led to nothing," said the Irish Examiner columnist.

"But someone knows, still; that's for certain, and they are apparently still alive, and their consciences must now be very heavy after all these years — before they pass on to their deaths.

"Please, it's never too late to reach out and speak, honestly, even now.” 

Gareth O'Callaghan. Picture: David Creedon

Meanwhile, the disappearance of Philip has baffled gardaí and his family. Nobody has ever been arrested in relation to the case in spite of numerous media appeals for information.

In 2020 the Cairns family took part in an RTÉ Scannal documentary with Philip's oldest sister appealing for information to unlock the truth of what happened to her brother.

Mary Cairns said Philip was a kind and thoughtful child who got on with everyone.

"I would feel that he is dead, and I mean your life moves forward in some aspects...but then there is just this part of our life that has stood still.

"We would really like to be able to bring Philip home, give him a burial.” At the time of his disappearance, Philip was 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 a school pullover.

Six days after he went missing, his schoolbag was located in a lane near his school. Some of Philip’s books were missing from the bag.

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