Gardai have appealed for adults who were children when Philip Cairns disappeared in October 1986 for any information in relation to may the boy’s schoolbag.
The 13-yr-old from Rathfarnham in Dublin has been missing for almost 30 years, but new information has been given to gardai last month has reinvigorated the case.
One of the lines of inquiry is that convicted paedophile Eamon Cooke, who died last week, was involved in the death of the 13-year-old.
Philip’s choolbag turned up days later in a nearby laneway – and gardaí now believe that bag, and whoever placed it there, could move the case along. It is thought two to three schoolgirls may have been forced into leaving the bag in the laneway.
DNA samples found on Philip’s schoolbag have been sent for analysis.
Superintendent Peter Duff said:
“We are anxious to hear from anyone who may have knowledge of how the schoolbag came to be in the laneway, who may have seen it being put there or may have observed it there at any time.”
A woman came forward after the 25-year appeal for information. Gardaí say her statement has opened up 160 lines of inquiry; among them, that convicted paedophile Eamon Cooke was involved.
“Maybe the publicity has jarred someone’s memory,” Duff said.
“We will treat anyone who comes forward sensitively and discreetly because I am very aware that some people may have suffered trauma in the past and may now feel more secure in coming forward,” he said.
Superintendant Duff added: “For the sake of Mrs Cairns and her family who have been suffering for 30 years it is important that we bring this investigation to a conclusion.”
“I am again appealing to anyone who has information in relation to Philip’s school bag and have yet to come forward, to contact Rathfarnham Garda station on 01 666 6500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”