Ryan Tubridy has paid tribute to a former Toy Show star who passed away.
SaoÃrse Ruane sadly died on Tuesday aged 12.
The young girl who stole the hearts of our nation was first diagnosed with cancer four years ago.
SaoÃrse appeared on the Toy Show in 2020 and inspired not only the host Ryan Tubridy but the entire country.
The former Late Late Show host took to Instagram to pay tribute and wrote: “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.”
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“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.”
The 12-year-old’s appearance on the Toy Show came a few months after she had her right leg amputated.
SaoÃrse’s leg had been affected by osteosarcoma – a rare form of cancer that affected her tibia.
The Galway Girl passed away after a long battle with various health struggles since her original diagnosis.
SaoÃrse’s official death notice on rip.ie reads: “It is with broken hearts the Ruane family announces the passing of their beautiful daughter and sister, SaoÃrse, who passed away peacefully at home, after a long illness bravely borne, in the arms of her heartbroken parents, Ollie and Roseanna, on Tuesday, 5th March 2024.”
“SaoÃrse, 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 SaoÃrse in their hearts.”
