APPEAL: Aubrey Lane was reported missing on this day 38 years ago - Kilkenny Live

Benjamin Aubrey Lane (known as Aubrey Lane) was 22 years old when he went missing in January 1988.

From Dangan, Kilmacow, County Kilkenny, he is described as 5ft 11in, with a pale complexion, fair hair, green eyes and was of thin build at the time. 

Aubrey Lane left his home in Viewmount Park in Waterford City on January 6, 1988. When he was last seen by his mother he was wearing a green army jacket with a hood, green cotton jeans, a navy jumper and black shoes.

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Five days later on January 11, there was a reported sighting of Aubrey on Patrick Street in Cork.

A Waterford girl studying in University College Cork (UCC) told gardaí she had been speaking with him, unaware that he had been reported missing until she later read newspaper reports.

She said the missing man had grown a beard and was dressed in green army type pants, with a jumper and also wearing an orange-coloured 'tea cosy' type cap.

Aubrey was himself a former arts student at UCC, and graduated with a BA in English and History.

Newspaper accounts from the time described Aubrey as an 'intellectual', who had intended to pursue a master's degree with a journalistic career in mind.

There was another unconfirmed sighting of Aubrey in August 1990, where he was reportedly seen with members of Hare Krishna in Middle Abbey Street, Dublin - according to a report in the Waterford News & Star.

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Further speculation posits that he may have left Ireland with another person and travelled through Rosslare and went to Fishguard in Wales - although this is also not confirmed.

In 1990, his mother Madeleine Lane (well-known and respected by her peers from working in Shaws in Waterford City) appeared on the Late Late Show, and delivered a passionate plea to her son to return home.

Unfortunately, Madeleine passed away in January 2024, without any closure. She is predeceased by her husband James.

Aubrey's family are still looking for answers and seeking closure, and those who may remember any detail about Aubrey that may help the ongoing investigation, are being asked to get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station, telephone (051) 305 300, or the Garda Missing Persons Bureau, telephone 01 666 9476.

The Garda Confidential Line (1800 666 111) is also available. It's a free, anonymous phone service in Ireland allowing you to provide information without revealing your identity. 

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