Our hearts are shattered after Saoírse’s death
Brave girl’s story launched Toy Show Appeal
THE mother of 12-year-old Saoírse Ruane – who inspired The Late Late Toy Show appeal – has said her family’s ‘hearts are shattered’, following her death on Tuesday.
The Galway girl won the nation’s hearts when she first appeared on The Late Late Toy Show in the middle of the pandemic, when she was just seven years old.
That night, Saoírse, from Kiltullagh, Oranmore, Co. Galway, spoke bravely about her battle with a rare form of aggressive bone cancer called Osteosarcoma.
She was diagnosed with the illness – which led to her leg being amputated – in 2019.
Saoírse died in the arms of her parents Roseanna and Ollie at home on Tuesday.
She leaves an enduring legacy in the many lives changed thanks to the hugely successful Late Late Toy Show appeal, which she kickstarted in 2020. Within hours of Saoírse telling her moving story and captivating viewers with her charm, more than €6million was donated. Since then, more than €17.5million has been raised by the annual appeal to support projects for children all over the country.
In an Instagram post, her mother Roseanna wrote: ‘When there are no words.
‘After a long, courageous and dignified battle, our hearts are shattered to tell you our beautiful little Saoírse 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 Saoírse 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.’ An online post said Saoírse died peacefully at her home in the arms of her heartbroken parents, Ollie and Roseanna.
‘Saoírse, aged just 12 years old, was surrounded, as she has been throughout her illness, by the love, care and devotion of her family, the prayers and good will of the community in Kiltullagh and people all over the country who held Saoírse in their hearts,’ the post said.
‘Saoírse, adored daughter to Ollie and Roseanna, big sister to Farrah Rose, half-sister to Rebecca, granddaughter to Anne Ruane and Tony and Ann Brehony, an adored niece, cousin, family member and of course, best friend to Willow and Slush, was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
‘A pupil of Kiltullagh National School, Saoírse will be missed but always remembered by her school friends and teachers, who have travelled the road with Saoírse on her journey, and were a source of joy and fun to her.”
Former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy said: ‘It is with the greatest sadness imaginable that I’ve heard the news of my dear young friend Saoírse Ruane’s passing. We became friends instantly when we met.
‘She told her story, the nation fell in love with her and a charity began because of her and with that she helped enrich and encourage the lives of thousands of children in Ireland. A selfless, humble, kind, optimistic and thoughtful child. She was everything we should and could be as a country and her passing will put so much into perspective for so many of us. The world is a poorer place without Saoírse but I do hope that twinkle in her eye shines on and on.’
President Michael D Higgins sent his deepest condolences to Saoírse’s family, saying, ‘Saoírse’s strength and warmth was an inspiration to all’.
Later, speaking in the Dáil, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he had been very fortunate to meet Saoírse and he was taken by her smile, warm personality and love of sport and Gaelic games. He said he wanted to send his deepest condolences to her parents, family and all who loved her.
Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty said he was thinking of Saoírse’s friends and family.
Last March, a proud Saoírse was the Grand Marshal at the St Patrick’s Day parade in Galway, leading a march of hundreds of people through the city’s streets.
Saoírse will repose at home today and her remains will be removed to St Peter and Paul’s Church in Kiltullagh on Sunday, for funeral Mass at 2pm. She will be laid to rest in Bullaun Cemetery. Her family has asked that anyone who wants to make a donation in her memory do so by supporting Galway Hospice.
‘Hope that twinkle in her eye shines on’