'BROKEN HEARTS' Late Late Toy Show star Saoírse Ruane dies aged 12 after long illness as devastated family say ‘hearts are shattered’
BELOVED Late Late Toy Show star Saoírse Ruane has died from cancer aged just 12.
The brave Galway girl's heartbroken family this morning announced the youngster - who captured the hearts of the nation on the Toy Show - died on Tuesday.
Saoirse - whose cancer was diagnosed in November 2019 after complaining of a sore ankle - had her leg amputated in 2020 after it was established she had a life-threatening Osteosarcoma tumour in her tibia.
Saoírse's story came to prominence when she joined Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Toy Show in 2020.
The Galway girl blew people away with her incredible strength and resilience in her battle against the rare form of bone cancer.
Saoirse's parents Roseanna and Ollie, as well as little sister Farrah-Rose, have been left heartbroken after her death.
Announcing their tragic loss, they said: "It is with broken hearts the Ruane family announce the passing of their beautiful daughter and sister, Saoírse, who passed away peacefully at home, after a long illness bravely borne, in the arms of her heartbroken parents Ollie and Roseanna on Tuesday March 5 2024.
"Predeceased by her grandfather Michael Ruane. Saoírse, adored daughter to Ollie and Roseanna, big sister to Farrah Rose, half-sister to Rebecca, grand-daughter 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.
"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 goodwill of the community in Kiltullagh and people all over the country who held Saoírse in their hearts."
President Michael D Higgins as well as stars from right across the showbiz world have paid tribute to the beloved girl, whose story featured on the the Toy Show the first year they launched their huge charity appeal.
Saoirse's devastated parents said their are "no words" for their grief.
They added: "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!
"We ask you to respect our privacy now as we take our last and final journey with our beautiful girl. Mamma Dadda & Farrah Rose."
FINAL FAREWELL
Saoírse's funeral will take place at St Peter and Paul's Church, Kiltullagh on Sunday at 1.45pm.
The notice added: "Saoírse will repose at home on Friday, 8th of March, from 2pm to 8pm.
"A bus service will run from the car park at Bullaun Church (H62 YH66) and you are asked to follow the directions of stewards and only attend by using the bus service.
"Funeral cortège will arrive on Sunday, 10th March, to St Peter and Paul's Church, Kiltullagh (H65 KC89) at 1.45pm for Mass for Saoírse at 2pm.
"Saoírse will be laid to rest in Bullaun Cemetery (H62 YH66) after Mass."
TOUGH BATTLE
Saoirse's family had issued a "devastating" health update back in November last year, when they revealed her cancer had spread.
They said it had come as a "huge shock" to them that the cancer had spread to her other lung, after a recurrent tumour had been previously discovered in her left lung earlier in 2023.
Saoirse had to undergo further chemo treatment in what her mum said was her "biggest battle to date".
Cancer you stole her from us, the life we had and our dreams. Life will never be the same.
Roseanna said back in April how "little did they knew their world was about to fall apart again".
She revealed: "To say we’re devastated just doesn’t cover it. She’s been to war so many times, she’s fought so hard, it’s so unfair."
Saoirse had previously had several dreams come true - travelling to Old Trafford to watch Manchester United play, and heading on her dream holiday in Disneyland.
Tributes poured in after news of Saoirse's death emerged.
President Michael D Higgins' office said: "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."
Tanaiste Micheal Martin added: "Very saddened by the heartbreaking passing of Saoírse Ruane.
"Fond memories of meeting Saoírse & her mother Roseanna in Croke Park, seeing her radiant smile and love of GAA.
"She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in the Toy Show Appeal. Deepest sympathies to her family and friends."
TUBS' TEARS
Former Late Late host Ryan Tubridy, who became friends with the family following Saoirse's Toy Show appearance, said the "world is a poorer place" without her.
He said: "It is with the greatest sadness imaginable that I’ve heard the news of my dear young friend, Saoirse 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.
"I send my condolences and all the love possible to Roseanna, Ollie and Farrah Rose, a beautiful family whose world has changed utterly.
"I want to thank them for sharing their extraordinary Saoirse with us all.
"The world is a poorer place without Saoirse but I do hope that twinkle in her eye shines on and on."
SAOIRSE'S LEGACY
RTE 2FM star Roz Purcell said: "No one will forget Saoirse, she has left a huge mark and legacy here in Ireland.
"She did so much in her 12 years. May she rest in peace. Thinking of all your family and friends who will miss her deeply."
Ireland rugby captain Peter O'Mahony said: "I’m very sorry to read this. She was inspiring."
RTE's Kathryn Thomas said: "Roseanna, I’m so so sorry. Your beautiful daughter brought so much light into our lives.
"A fraction of what she brought into yours. What a smile. Thinking of you all. Rest easy little angel."
Today FM DJ Declan Pierce wrote: "My beautiful pal. I’m beyond heartbroken.
"Getting to know Saoirse because of the radio show is the greatest gift my job has given me. Sending you all the love in my heart now and always."
Singer RuthAnne posted: "Heartbroken, she was beyond special and her courage was endless."I feel so grateful I got to meet her and sing with her and her beautiful voice what an absolute honour.
"I will treasure that and keep her in my heart forever. Sending you all so much love and light."
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