Disappearance of Philip Cairns

Uncommon card · No. 153343

On 23 October 1986, Philip Cairns, a 13‑year‑old Irish schoolboy, disappeared while walking back to school in South Dublin from his home in Ballyroan. A large‑scale investigation was carried out, but no trace of Cairns has ever been found. It remains one of the most high‑profile disappearances in recent Irish history. Cairns' family have issued numerous appeals for information. A reconstruction took place in 2007 and was later televised on RTÉ One, while a reward of €10,000 has also been offered. The book When Heaven Waits, published in 2007, featured an interview with Cairns' mother. No suspect has been arrested in the case. The case remains open.

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