Saoírse Ruane, whose appearance on RTÉ's “The Late Late Toy Show” in 2020 inspired the launch of the Toy Show Appeal, died at home in Co Galway on Tuesday, March 5. She was 12 years old.
The Ruane family announced "with broken hearts" that Saoírse "passed away peacefully at home, after a long illness bravely borne, in the arms of her heartbroken parents, Ollie and Roseanna."
A notice on RIP.ie says Saoírse "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 Saoírse in their hearts."
A funeral for Saoírse will be held on Sunday, March 10 at St. Peter and Paul's Church in Kiltullagh, followed by burial in Bulluan Cemetery.
The family has suggested that donations can be made in Saoírse's memory to Galway Hospice.
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At seven years old, Saoírse captured hearts across Ireland when she appeared on RTÉ's "Toy Show" on November 27, 2020, and talked with host Ryan Tubrdiy about her battle with osteosarcoma, a rare form of cancer that resulted in the amputation of her right leg.
Saoírse, having raised more money than was needed for her prosthetic leg, donated the extra money to help other children who might need it.
RTÉ said Saoírse's "generosity and bravery" inspired the Toy Show Appeal.
Afterward, RTÉ said that there was an overwhelming audience response to the call to donate and, over the course of the weekend, more than €6.6 million was raised to help a range of children’s charities across the island of Ireland.
In light of its success, the Toy Show Appeal became an annual event. In 2023, RTÉ said its Toy Show Appeal had raised over €17.5m for children’s charities to date and that over the previous three years, 359 grants have been provided to 226 children’s charities across the island of Ireland.
It is estimated that the Toy Show Appeal has helped over 1.1 million children and family members annually since its inception.
In 2022, Saoírse and her parents appeared on "The Late Late Show" where they revealed that Saoírse's cancer had returned.
Tributes to Saoírse have been widespread on Thursday, with Ryan Tubridy saying he was saddened by the death of his "dear young friend."
"We became friends instantly when we met," Tubridy wrote on social media.
"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."
He added: "The world is a poorer place without Saoírse but I do hope that twinkle in her eye shines on and on."
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President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins said Saoírse's "strength and warmth was an inspiration to all."
President Higgins has sent his deepest condolences to the family of Saoírse Ruane from Kiltullagh, Co. Galway, following her passing at the age of 12. Saoírse's strength and warmth was an inspiration to all pic.twitter.com/aMyLZyqN8g
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) March 7, 2024
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said he was "very saddened by the heartbreaking passing of Saoírse" and recalled meeting her in Croke Park.
"She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in the Toy Show Appeal," Martin said.
Very saddened by the heartbreaking passing of Saoírse Ruane
Fond memories of meeting Saoírse & her mother Roseanna in Croke Park, seeing her radiant smile & love of GAA
She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in the Toy Show Appeal
Deepest sympathies to her family & friends
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 7, 2024
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