October 23, 1986, Philip Kearns left his home on Bally Rowan Road in South Dublin, Ireland.

He was headed back to school after spending his lunch break at home.

But he never made it back to school and he would never return home.

One of the largest and most intensive searches in Irish history would follow,

changing the small community forever.

Six days later, his school bag would be found in a nearby laneway,

left by a person or persons unknown.

No further evidence of what happened to 13-year-old Philip has ever been found.

This is Philip's story.

Philip Kearns was born September 1st, 1973, to parents Alice and Philip Kearns Senior in South Dublin Island.

The Kearns' home would have been a hectic, loud, busy and extremely loving household.

Philip was one of six children, with four older sisters, Mary, Sandra, Helen and Suzanne, and one brother who

was only a little more than a year younger, Owen. Philip and Owen weren't only brothers but

best friends. If you couldn't find them, they'd be in someone's backyard, kicking the soccer

ball around with the other neighbourhood kids. Philip was an active kid who was always on the move.

He played hurling for the local team and loved nothing more than going fishing with his dad.

By October 1986, 13-year-old Philip Kearns had recently started Coloste Ianna Secondary School in Rathfarmine.

It was only a short, 15-minute walk from the Kearns family home on Bally Rowan Road.

Philip's mother, Alice, would later remember her eldest son as being quiet and thoughtful,

that he got along with everyone.

Philip was also very religious, something he shared with his beloved

mother, the Kern's family attending Catholic Church every Sunday without foul.

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