The brave girl from Galway, whose appearance on the Toy Show won hearts across the country, died on Tuesday, her family said this morning.
Saoírse was diagnosed with cancer in November 2019 after complaining of an injured ankle. In 2020, her leg was amputated because an osteosarcoma tumor in her tibia was found to be cancerous and life-threatening.
When Saoírse joined Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Toy Show in 2020, her story became well known. The Galway girl’s fight against a rare form of bone cancer amazed everyone with her strength and toughness.
The death of Saoírse has broken the hearts of her parents, Roseanna and Ollie, and her little sister Farrah-Rose. They shared their loss, 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.”
“Thank you to all 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, Mamma, and Dadda.”
President Michael D. Higgins and stars from all over show business have paid tribute to the beloved girl. Her story was told on The Toy Show the first year they started their huge charity campaign.
Throughout her battle, Saoírse’s family gave a “devastating” health update in November of last year, saying that her cancer had spread. After a recurring tumor was found in her left lung earlier in 2023, they said it was a “huge shock” that the cancer had spread to her other lung. It was Saoírse’s “biggest battle to date” because she had to undergo more chemotherapy.
In April, Roseanna said, “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 had a few dreams come true, like going to Old Trafford to see Manchester United play and going on her dream vacation to Disneyland.
When people heard that Saoírse had died, they sent her a lot of tributes. The office of President Michael D. Higgins said, “President Higgins has sent his deepest condolences to the family of Saoírse Ruane from Kiltullagh, Co. Galway, after her death at the age of 12. Everyone was moved by Saoírse’s strength and kindness.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin also said, “Very saddened by the death of Saoírse Ruane. I will always remember meeting Saoírse 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.”
After Saoírse’s appearance on The Toy Show, Ryan Tubridy, who used to host Late Late, became friends with her family. He said that the “world is a poorer place” without her. “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.”
Roz Purcell, a radio host on RTE 2FM, said, “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.”
Patrick O’Mahony, the captain of Ireland’s rugby team, said, “I’m very sorry to read this. She was an inspiration.”
Kathryn Thomas of RTE said, “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 wrote on her blog, “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. It also said, “Saoírse will rest at home on Friday, March 8, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. 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.”
