BROKEN HEARTS

The brave girl from Galway, whose appearance on the Toy Show won hearts across the country, died on Tuesday, her family said this morning.

SaoĆ­rse was diagnosed with cancer in November 2019 after complaining of an injured ankle. In 2020, her leg was cut off because an Osteosarcoma tumor in her tibia was found to be cancerous and likely to kill her.

When SaoĆ­rse joined Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Toy Show in 2020, her story became well known.

The Galway girlā€™s fight against a rare form of bone cancer amazed everyone with how strong and tough she was.

The death of SaoĆ­rse has broken the hearts of her parents, Roseanna and Ollie, and her little sister Farrah-Rose.

They told everyone about their terrible loss by saying, ā€œAfter a long brave and dignified battle, our hearts are shattered to tell you that our beautiful little SaoĆ­rse took her last breath in our arms on Tuesday.ā€

ā€œThank you to all of our wonderful fans for thinking about SaoĆ­rse and us over the past few weeks.

ā€œToday, we also think of you because we know how much the country loved SaoĆ­rse and how she changed the lives of so many people.ā€

ā€œCancer, you took her away from us. You also took away our dreams and the life we had.ā€ Things will never be the same!

ā€œPlease give us some space as we go on our last and final trip with our beautiful girl. ā€œFarrah Rose and Mamma Dadda.ā€

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.

through her battle, SaoĆ­rseā€™s family gave a ā€œdevastatingā€ 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 ā€œhuge shockā€ to them that the cancer had spread to her other lung.

It was SaoĆ­rseā€™s ā€œbiggest battle to dateā€ because she had to go through more chemotherapy.

In April, Roseanna said, ā€œLittle did they know that their world was about to fall apart again.ā€

ā€œTo say weā€™re devastated just doesnā€™t cover it,ā€ she said. Itā€™s not fair that sheā€™s been to war so many times and fought so hard.

SaoĆ­rse 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 SaoĆ­rse had died, they sent her a lot of tributes.

The office of President Michael D. Higgins said, ā€œPresident Higgins has sent his deepest condolences to the family of SaoĆ­rse Ruane from Kiltullagh, Co. Galway, after her death at the age of 12.ā€ Everyone was moved by SaoĆ­rseā€™s strength and kindness.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin also said, ā€œVery saddened by the death of SaoĆ­rse Ruane.ā€

ā€œI will always remember meeting Saoirse and her mother Roseanna in Croke Park and seeing her beautiful smile and love for GAA.ā€

ā€œThe Toy Show Appeal is an amazing thing she left behind.ā€ Weā€™re very sorry for her family and friendsā€™ loss.

Tubsā€™ tears
After Saoirseā€™s appearance on The Toy Show, Ryan Tubridy, who used to host Late Late, became friends with her family. He said that the ā€œworld is a poorer placeā€ without her.

According to him, hearing the news of his dear young friend SaoĆ­rse Ruaneā€™s death made him feel the saddest thoughts possible.

ā€œAs soon as we met, we became friends.ā€ 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.

ā€œA child who is selfless, humble, kind, hopeful, and thoughtful.ā€ She was everything our country should and could be, and her death will make a lot of us think about things.

ā€œMy 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.ā€

ā€œThank them for letting us all know about their amazing Saorse.ā€

ā€œThe world is a poorer place without SaoĆ­rse but I do hope that twinkle in her eye shines on and on.ā€

The legacy of SaoĆ­rse
Roz Purcell, a radio host on RTE 2FM, said, ā€œNo one will forget SaoĆ­rse; she left a huge mark and mark on Ireland.ā€

ā€œIn 12 years, she did so much.ā€ May she rest in peace. Think about all of her family and friends who will miss her a lot.

Patrick Oā€™Mahony, the captain of Irelandā€™s rugby team, said, ā€œIā€™m very sorry to read this.ā€ She was an inspiration.

Rosana, Iā€™m so sorry, said Kathryn Thomas of RTE. Your lovely daughter made our lives so much better.

ā€œA small part of what she brought into your life.ā€ That smile is great. Thinking about all of you. ā€œTake it easy, little angel.ā€

Today FM It was DJ Declan Pierce who wrote, ā€œMy beautiful friend. It breaks my heart so much.

ā€œThe best thing about my job is getting to know SaoĆ­rse through the radio show. From the bottom of my heart, I love you all the time.

Singer RuthAnne wrote on her blog, ā€œHeartbroken. She was truly unique, and her bravery knew no bounds.ā€

ā€œI am so thankful that I met her and had the chance to sing with her. What an honor!ā€

ā€œThat is something I will always treasure and hold close to my heart. Lots of love and light to everyone.ā€

Saoirseā€™s funeral will be held at St. Peter and Paulā€™s Church, Kiltullagh, on Sunday at 1.45 p.m.

It also said, ā€œSaoĆ­rse will rest at home on Friday, March 8, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.ā€

ā€œFrom the Bullaun Church parking lot (H62 YH66), a bus service will leave. Please follow the stewardsā€™ instructions and only use the bus service to get to the event.ā€