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 girlās 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, āAfter 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
āThank you to all of our wonderful fans for thinking about SaoĆrse and us over the past few weeks.
āToday, 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
āCancer, you took her away from us. You also took away our dreams and the life we had.ā Things will never be the same!
āPlease give us some space as we go on our last and final trip with our beautiful girl. āFarrah 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, SaoĆrseās family gave a ādevastatingā 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 āhuge shockā to them that the cancer had spread to her other lung.
It was SaoĆrseās ābiggest battle to dateā because she had to go through more chemotherapy.
In April, Roseanna said, āLittle did they know that their world was about to fall apart again.ā
āTo say weāre devastated just doesnāt cover it,ā she said. Itās not fair that sheās 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, āPresident 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 SaoĆrseās strength and kindness.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin also said, āVery saddened by the death of SaoĆrse Ruane.ā
āI will always remember meeting Saoirse and her mother Roseanna in Croke Park and seeing her beautiful smile and love for GAA.ā
āThe Toy Show Appeal is an amazing thing she left behind.ā Weāre very sorry for her family and friendsā loss.
Tubsā tears
After Saoirseās appearance on The Toy Show, Ryan Tubridy, who used to host Late Late, became friends with her family. He said that the āworld is a poorer placeā without her.
According to him, hearing the news of his dear young friend SaoĆrse Ruaneās death made him feel the saddest thoughts possible.
āAs 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.
āA 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.
āMy 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
āThank them for letting us all know about their amazing Saorse.ā
āThe 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, āNo one will forget SaoĆrse; she left a huge mark and mark on Ireland.ā
āIn 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 OāMahony, the captain of Irelandās rugby team, said, āIām very sorry to read this.ā She was an inspiration.
Rosana, Iām so sorry, said Kathryn Thomas of RTE. Your lovely daughter made our lives so much better.
āA small part of what she brought into your life.ā That smile is great. Thinking about all of you. āTake it easy, little angel.ā
Today FM It was DJ Declan Pierce who wrote, āMy beautiful friend. It breaks my heart so much.
āThe 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, āHeartbroken. She was truly unique, and her bravery knew no bounds.ā
āI am so thankful that I met her and had the chance to sing with her. What an honor!ā
āThat is something I will always treasure and hold close to my heart. Lots of love and light to everyone.ā
Saoirseās funeral will be held at St. Peter and Paulās Church, Kiltullagh, on Sunday at 1.45 p.m.
It also said, āSaoĆrse will rest at home on Friday, March 8, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.ā
āFrom 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