‘One last Mother’s Day with you’ as Saoírse laid to rest
Funeral hears schoolgirl is now the ‘saint of Kiltullagh’
TRAGIC Saoírse Ruane was described as a ‘wonderful little angel’ at her funeral yesterday.
The 12-year-old Co. Galway girl died at her home last Tuesday, after a long and brave battle with cancer.
The youngster won the nation’s hearts when she appeared on the Late Late Toy Show during the pandemic in 2020 and spoke about her fight with cancer. She had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of the disease, and had to have her right leg amputated.
She inspired the launch of the Toy Show Appeal, which has led to millions of euros being raised, helping many children and their families across the country.
An online post last week said Saoírse died peacefully at her home in Kiltullagh in the arms of her heartbroken parents, Ollie and Roseanna.
People lined up outside Saints Peter and Paul’s Church in
‘Our hearts are shattered’
Kiltullagh, while pupils from Saoírse’s Kiltullagh National School and the local GAA club formed a guard of honour outside the church. The cortege was led by two Garda motorbikes.
Former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy, who became a friend of Saoírse after she appeared on the RTÉ show, travelled from London, where he now lives after quitting the show, to attend the funeral.
Addressing those gathered for the funeral, Fr Declan McInerney said Saoírse was now the ‘saint of Kiltullagh’.
He also welcomed Colonel Stephen Howard, aide-de-camp of President Michael D Higgins, whose presence he said provided comfort to Saoírse’s family.
In an Instagram post, her mother Roseanna said yesterday: ‘One last Mother’s Day with you before you go. So grateful to have you today Saoírse.’
In a social media post last week, Roseanna said: ‘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.’
A statement also said: ‘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.
‘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: ‘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.’
At the end of Friday’s Late Late show, host Patrick Kielty said Saoírse lit up TV screens and the lives of her family and friends.
‘We know her light will continue to shine for so many years to come. From everyone on the Late Late Show, we send our love tonight to Saoírse’s family.’
‘The nation fell in love with her’