Saoirse Ruane, the 12-year-old girl who inspired the establishment of the RTE Toy Show Appeal after her appearance on the show in 2020 alongside host Ryan Tubridy, has died following a long battle with cancer.

The beloved girl from Kiltullagh, Co Galway, was just seven when she was diagnosed with an Osteosarcoma tumour in 2019, a rare form of cancer, in her tibia.

Paying tribute to their angel, Saoirse's family said: "there are no words". The tribute reads: "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."

The family added: "We ask you to respect our privacy now as we take our last and final journey with our beautiful girl. Mamma Dadda & Farrah Rose."

Tributes continue to flow for the inspirational warrior - you can read them below

Key Events

Conor Heneghan

Former Mayor remembers Saoirse's time as Grand Marshall of Galway parade

Galway councillor and former Mayor of the city Clodagh Higgins has paid Saoirse a lengthy tribute, remembering her as "a truly wonderful child" and recalling her role as Joint Grand Marshall of the Galway St. Patrick's Parade, which she took to "with great aplomb".

Keith Kelly

Fellow Toy Show star Adam King shares heartbreaking reaction

Adam King, who was introduced to the nation on the same night as Saoirse during the 2020 Toy Show, has paid tribute to "the kindest, most gentle and considerate girl".

Keith Kelly

Marty Morissey offers condolences to family of 'amazing' Saoirse

Conor Heneghan

A drawing loved by Saoirse

Artist Niall O'Loughlin has posted a beautiful image he had previously drawn of Saoirse, one he said she loved and he was posting again in her memory.

"Life really isn't fair," Niall added.

Conor Heneghan

Tánaiste and Green Party Leader add their tributes

Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan have added their tributes to the many that have flowed since news of Saoirse's passing emerged this morning.

Martin said she "leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in the Toy Show Appeal", while Ryan said that she "inspired the country" and "was a brilliant advocate for accessible cycling".

Conor Heneghan

Late Late Show video tribute

The Late Late Show has posted a video tribute to Saoirse, with a collection of some of her most memorable moments on the show.

“You changed many, many lives by being a very special, important person. Rest in Peace, Saoírse," the tribute reads.

Keith Kelly

Today FM DJ Declan Pierce mourns loss of 'greatest gift'

Keith Kelly

Rosanna Davison posts touching tribute to 'smiling' Saoirse

"Had the pleasure of spending time with Saoirse and her family in 2022. She was such a sweet, smiling, happy and positive little girl with parents who absolutely adored her. Her strength and bravery throughout her cancer battle inspired everybody who knew her story and she touched so many lives - more than she ever realised.

"As a mum, the pain of losing a child to cancer is simply unimaginable. We are all devastated for you Roseanna @saoirseandmamma, Ollie, Farrah Rose, and all of Saoirse's extended family, her friends, her school, and her whole community."

Saoirse with Rosanna Davison (Image: rossana_davison/Instagram)
KEY EVENT

President Higgins pays tribute to fellow Galwegian

Keith Kelly

'Endlessly inspiring' Saoirse remembered by childhood cancer charity

KEY EVENT

Irish Cancer Society hails Saoirse's 'immeasurable' impact

Saoirse herself had a cancerous tumour on her tibia bone which led to her leg being amputated in 2019.

Keith Kelly

The Late Late Show pays tribute to 'dear friend'

Keith Kelly

Funeral arrangements have been announced

Details for Saoirse's funeral in Galway this weekend have been announced on RIP.ie.

"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."

KEY EVENT

Ryan Tubridy speaks of 'greatest sadness imaginable'

Former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy has paid an emotional tribute to Saoirse on his Instagram page.

“It is with the greatest sadness imaginable that I’ve heard the news of my dear young friend, Saoirse Ruane’s passing,” 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. 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.”

Conor Heneghan

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