Mother of Missing Boy Philip Cairns Dies, Family Seeks Closure

UPDATE: Alice Cairns, the heartbroken mother of missing schoolboy Philip Cairns, has died “suddenly but peacefully” at her home in Ballyroan, Dublin. Philip vanished nearly 40 years ago on the afternoon of October 23, 1986, after leaving his school, Coláiste Éanna, at 12:50 PM. He was just 13 years old when he disappeared, and his family has been seeking closure ever since.

Mrs. Cairns, who was also mourning the loss of her husband, Philip, passed away on Tuesday. She is survived by her six children and six grandchildren. Her family described her as a “cherished mother” who held onto hope for years that her son would return.

Philip was last seen leaving home shortly after lunch, but never made it back to school. His schoolbag was found six days later near the school, but the mystery surrounding his disappearance remains unsolved. In a poignant interview with RTÉ Radio in 2016, Mrs. Cairns shared the emotional toll of her son’s absence, saying, “It’s only in the last year or two that I have come to terms that he won’t be coming back.”

The Cairns family has publicly appealed for information about Philip’s case, which remains open. His sister, Mary Cairns, expressed the family’s longing for closure, stating, “We would really like to be able to bring Philip home, give him a burial.”

Philip was described as a kind and thoughtful child, with a height of 5’2” and short black hair at the time of his disappearance. He was wearing his school uniform, including a grey jacket and trousers.

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Rathfarnham Garda station at 01 666 6500 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

As the family mourns the loss of Alice Cairns, they continue to seek answers about the fate of her beloved son, a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on their lives for decades.