'A truly remarkable woman' - Heartbreak as mother of missing schoolboy Philip Cairns dies

Tributes have poured in following the sad death of Alice Cairns, a beloved and respected woman who has been described as truly remarkable, courageous and kind.

Alice is the mother of missing schoolboy Philip Cairns who vanished in 1986 when he was just 13 years old.

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Philip disappeared while on his way back to school, Coláiste Éanna in Dublin after going home for his lunch. Six days later, his schoolbag was found in a laneway near his home which contained some schoolbooks but some of his personal items were missing.

Despite extensive searches, appeals, and ongoing investigations over decades, Philip has never been found, and his disappearance remains one of Ireland's most enduring missing-person cases.

In 2016, Gardaí investigated new leads after a man came forward claiming to know what had happened to Philip, but no conclusive evidence was found. The case remains open and unsolved.

Philip's schoolbag was found in a laneway near his home in Rathfarnham, Dublin

Alice Cairns was always a central and deeply respected figure in the decades long search for her son and has always been described as graceful, gentle, and steadfast in her hopes of finding answers about what happened to Philip.

Over the years, Alice has spoken publicly, but sparingly, often through appeals made alongside Gardaí or in media interviews marking anniversaries of her son's disappearance. Her focus was always to keep Philip's memories alive.

She also spoke about the pain and uncertainty her family has lived with since that day and has often described how life was never the same after Philip vanished.

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On Tuesday, Alice Cairns, late of Ballyroan Road, Templeogue and formerly Lisnafunchin, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, passed away suddenly, but peacefully, surrounded by her family.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband Philip.

Alice was the cherished mam to Mary, Sandra, Helen, Suzanne, Philip and Eoin, loving grandmother to Ciara, Liam, Rory, Theo, Edith and Adah.

She will be deeply missed and remembered always by her heartbroken family, her sisters Ellen, Catherine and Liz, her brothers Joe, Billy and Johnny, her sons-in-law Arne and Gary, her daughter-in-law Loretta, her sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends.

Heartfelt condolences have been left on RIP.ie, from those who knew and fondly remembered Alice over the years, with one mourner writing,

"Mrs Cairns you are truly at peace now . Rest easy. You were not without trouble in your living years. You carried a big cross that no one should ever carry. I thought of you so many times in my life and I hope that the mystery to the finding of your son Philip will come yet too. May God put his arms around your family and comfort you all at this sad time."

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Another wrote,

"Deepest sympathies to the Cairns family. Alice was an absolutely wonderful lady. It was a pleasure to meet her recently at the Mass for Missing Persons in Drogheda. Alice’s strength lifted so many other people down the years. Her faith and her strength so inspiring. Thinking of all Alice’s children and grand children. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis."

While another wrote,

"Condolences to Mary, Sandra, Helen. Suzanne and Eoin on the death of your beloved mother, Alice. Kindness, gentleness and friendliness come to mind when we think of Alice. A wonderful neighbour, she will be missed by so many here in Ballyroan. Rest in peace dear Alice."

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Funeral Arrangements

Alice's funeral details will be announced on RIP.ie in due course.

Family flowers only have been requested and donations if desired to a charity very close to Alice's heart, The National Missing Persons Helpline: Donate Here

Anyone with information in relation to Philip's disappearance is asked to contact Rathfarnham Garda Station on 01-6666500, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.