Loved Saoírse Ruane, who captured the hearts of many with her appearance on The Late Late Toy Show, passed away at the young age of 12 after battling cancer.
The brave girl from Galway gained national attention for her strength and resilience in the face of adversity, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Saoírse died on Tuesday, as confirmed by her family this morning.
Saoírse was diagnosed with cancer in November 2019 after complaining of an injured ankle. In 2020, her leg was amputated due to an osteosarcoma tumor found in her tibia, which was deemed cancerous and life-threatening. Her story became widely known when she joined Ryan Tubridy on The Late Late Toy Show in 2020, where her battle against a rare form of bone cancer amazed everyone with her strength and resilience.
The loss of Saoírse has deeply affected her parents, Roseanna and Ollie, and her younger sister, Farrah-Rose. They shared the heartbreaking news, saying, “After a long, brave, and dignified battle, our hearts are shattered to tell you that our beautiful little Saoírse took her last breath in our arms on Tuesday.”
They also expressed gratitude to their supporters, saying, “Thank you to all of our wonderful fans for thinking about Saoírse and us over the past few weeks. Today, we also think of you because we know how much the country loved Saoírse and how she changed the lives of so many people.”
“Cancer, you took her away from us. You also took away our dreams and the life we had. Things will never be the same! Please give us some space as we go on our last and final trip with our beautiful girl, Farrah Rose and Mamma Dadda.”
President Michael D. Higgins and stars from across the entertainment industry have paid tribute to the beloved girl, whose story was highlighted on The Toy Show during the first year of their major charity campaign.
During her battle, Saoírse’s family shared a “devastating” health update in November of last year, revealing that her cancer had spread. After a recurring tumor was found in her left lung earlier in 2023, they described it as a “huge shock” that the cancer had spread to her other lung, marking Saoírse’s “biggest battle to date” as she underwent further chemotherapy.
In April, Roseanna reflected, “Little did they know that their world was about to fall apart again. To say we’re devastated just doesn’t cover it. It’s not fair that she’s been to war so many times and fought so hard.”
Saoírse had already fulfilled some of her dreams, such as visiting Old Trafford to watch Manchester United play and going on her dream vacation to Disneyland.
Following the announcement of Saoírse’s passing, numerous tributes poured in. President Michael D. Higgins’ office stated, “President Higgins has sent his deepest condolences to the family of Saoírse Ruane from Kiltullagh, Co. Galway, following her death at the age of 12. Everyone was moved by Saoírse’s strength and kindness.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin also expressed his sorrow, saying, “Very saddened by the death of Saoírse Ruane. I will always remember meeting Saoirse and her mother Roseanna in Croke Park and seeing her beautiful smile and love for GAA. The Toy Show Appeal is an amazing thing she left behind. We’re very sorry for her family and friends’ loss.”
Tubridy’s Tears
After Saoirse’s appearance on The Toy Show, former Late Late host Ryan Tubridy developed a friendship with her family. He expressed that the “world is a poorer place” without her.
He shared, “Hearing the news of my dear young friend Saoírse Ruane’s death made me feel the saddest thoughts possible. As soon as we met, we became friends. People all over the country fell in love with her, and because of her, a charity was founded. Through this, she helped make the lives of thousands of Irish children better and more hopeful. A child who is selfless, humble, kind, hopeful, and thoughtful. She was everything our country should and could be, and her death will make a lot of us think about things. My condolences and all the love I can muster go out to Roseanna, Ollie, and Farrah Rose. They are a beautiful family whose whole world has been turned upside down by this tragedy. Thank them for letting us all know about their amazing Saoírse. The world is a poorer place without Saoírse, but I do hope that twinkle in her eye shines on and on.”
The Legacy of Saoírse
Roz Purcell, a radio host on RTE 2FM, remarked, “No one will forget Saoírse; she left a huge mark on Ireland. In 12 years, she did so much. May she rest in peace. Thinking about all of her family and friends who will miss her a lot.”
Ireland’s rugby team captain, Peter O’Mahony, expressed his condolences, stating, “I’m very sorry to read this. She was an inspiration.”
Kathryn Thomas of RTE shared, “Rosana, I’m so sorry. Your lovely daughter made our lives so much better. A small part of what she brought into your life. That smile is great. Thinking about all of you. Take it easy, little angel.”
Today FM DJ Declan Pierce wrote, “My beautiful friend. It breaks my heart so much. The best thing about my job is getting to know Saoírse through the radio show. From the bottom of my heart, I love you all the time.”
Singer RuthAnne expressed her sadness, saying, “Heartbroken. She was truly unique, and her bravery knew no bounds. I am so thankful that I met her and had the chance to sing with her. What an honor! That is something I will always treasure and hold close to my heart. Lots of love and light to everyone.”
Saoírse’s funeral will be held at St. Peter and Paul’s Church, Kiltullagh, on Sunday at 1.45 p.m. Her family also announced that “Saoírse will rest at home on Friday, March 8, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.”
They added, “From the Bullaun Church parking lot (H62 YH66), a bus service will leave. Please follow the stewards’ instructions and only use the bus service to get to the event.”
Saoírse’s legacy of courage and kindness will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who learned of her story. She leaves behind a message of hope and strength that will resonate with many for years to come.