Irish TV star Saoírse Ruane has sadly passed away at the age of 12 after a four-year battle with cancer, her family confirmed in a statement.
Her heartbroken mother, Roseanna, shared the news on Instagram: “When there are no words. After a long, courageous, and dignified battle, our hearts are shattered to tell you our beautiful little Saoirse took her final breath in our arms on Tuesday.
“We thank you, our lovely followers, for holding Saoírse and us in your thoughts these past few weeks. We think of you all today also, as we know how much Saoirse was loved by the nation and the effect she had on so many people’s lives. Cancer, you stole her from us, the life we had, and our dreams. Life will never be the same.”
The Late Late Toy Show star was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 after complaining of an injured ankle. In 2020, Saoírse underwent an amputation of her leg due to a cancerous osteosarcoma tumor in her tibia, which posed a life-threatening risk.
The President of Ireland paid his respects to Saoírse, tweeting: “President Higgins has sent his deepest condolences to the family of Saoírse Ruane from Kiltullagh, Co. Galway, following her passing at the age of 12. Saoírse’s strength and warmth was an inspiration to all.”
Saoírse had already seen a few of her dreams come true, such as visiting Old Trafford to watch Manchester United play and going on her dream vacation to Disneyland.
In June 2022, Saoírse received a devastating cancer diagnosis for the second time and was forced to undergo surgery to remove a tumor from her lung. The experience of witnessing her daughter battle cancer again was “unimaginable” to her mother. By November 2023, Roseanna revealed that the cancer had spread from one lung to the other.
“Saoírse is the bravest soul we know and her one and only request on hearing this heartbreaking news last night was to put up the Christmas tree. So that’s what we are doing, putting up the decorations ahead of [the] Toy Show,” she explained. “As always, we ask you to continue to pray for our brave, resilient girl.”