Saoírse Ruane’s mother, Roseanna, shared a sweet message after a lovely tribute aired on Friday night’s Late Late Toy Show.
During a musical number where children sang the number For Good from Wicked, the camera panned to reveal a star on the studio’s Christmas tree, with the words “Saoirse’s star.”
The touching moment was devoted to the amazing late Saoirse Ruane, who rose to fame on the Toy Show in 2020.
Following the touching tribute, Saoírse’s mum Roseanna wrote on Instagram: “Where to start, so many stand out moments on this years toy show. First off we absolutely fell in love with Star the puppy and the work he is going to do for children with Autism is going to be absolutely valuable 🐶.”
She continued: “Then the tears came as we watched the trip to Florida unfold for Pheobe and Holly (the two best friends) bringing back some very precious memories 🥹”
“And then the moment that took our breath away…” she said.
Sharing a photo of the sweet tribute to Saoírse, Roseanna wrote: “A huge thank you to the team at @latelaterte and @rteone and especially @patrickkielty @katherine_drohan @dannerfarrelly for this beautiful yet gentle nod in remembering our girl 💔”
She concluded: “It took our breath away.”
The 12-year-old sadly passed away in March of this year, yet her enduring legacy continues with the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal.
Last week, Saoirse’s parents Roseanna and Ollie Ruane joined Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty to pay special tribute to Saoirse.
For the last four years, the people of Ireland have donated in record numbers to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, doing their part so that kids in every county across the island of Ireland can go on being kids.
In 2020, the nation was inspired to donate in unprecedented numbers by Saoirse Ruane from Kiltullagh Co Galway, who won the hearts of the nation with her appearance on The Late Late Toy Show.
‘The Saoirse Ruane Grant’ will issue as part of the 2025 appeal allocations, and can be used over 2 years.
Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General, RTÉ, said: “The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal is one of the most important things that we do as an organisation.
“We are so grateful for the support of our audience over the last four years, whose generosity has ensured that RTÉ can continue to make a positive difference to the lives of thousands of children, and their families across the island, north and south.”
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“I’m particularly pleased to see the announcement of The Saoirse Ruane Grant in honour of Saoirse, and that donations to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal are opening a week earlier this year.”
“Saoirse will be remembered as someone who made such a positive and lasting impact on us all.”
“Her memory lives on through the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal and the many young lives that it transforms.”
Over the past three years 359 grants have been provided to 226 children’s charities across the island of Ireland. It is estimated that the Appeal has helped over 1,100,000 children and family members annually since its inception.
The appeal is managed by Community Foundation Ireland. Now over 20 years in existence, Community Foundation Ireland works with individuals, families, companies, and other trusts and foundations to support a diverse range of not-for-profit organisations. Community Foundation Ireland is a registered charity, (Charities Regulator Number: 20044886) and is committed to the highest standards of trust and governance.
