In October 1986, 13-year-old Philip Cairns became one of the most recognisable faces in Ireland.

The boy left his home in Dublin to walk back to school after lunch and vanished without a trace. His disappearance gripped the nation, changed how parents viewed their children’s safety, and left a family living with unanswered questions for nearly four decades.

In this episode of Lines of Enquiry, John revisits one of Ireland’s most haunting missing person cases and asks what really happened to the boy who never came home.

An Garda Síochána have told us the investigation into the disappearance of Philip Cairns remains active and ongoing. Gardaí are keen to speak to people who may have been young at the time Philip disappeared and not in a position to talk to them, but who may now feel able to come forward.

Even the smallest piece of information could help investigators. Anyone with information is asked to contact Rathfarnham Garda Station on 01 666 6500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. If for any reason, you do not feel comfortable making that contact directly, you can email linesofenquiry@goloudnow.com and we will ensure that any credible information is passed on to investigating Gardaí on your behalf.

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Presented by John Sweetman

Created by Darren Cleary

Episode Written by Emma McMenemy

Script Edited by Darren Cleary

Produced by Siobhan Walsh

Produced by Siobhan Maguire

Executive Produced by Eoin Brennan

Executive Produced by Ruth Fitzsimons

Sound Design and Editing by Neil Kavanagh

Audio Editing Support by Ed Smith

Marketing Support by Bríd Walsh and Róisín Reilly

Social Support by Mark Hayes and Robyn Ree

Artwork and Graphics by Eric Rowntree