Irish TV star Saoirse Ruane dies aged 12, devastated family confirm
Irish TV star Saoírse Ruane has died aged 12 after a four-year battle with cancer, her family have confirmed in a statement.
The Late Late Toy Show star's mother Roseanna wrote on Instagram: "When there are no words. After a long, courageous and dignified battle, our hearts are shattered to tell you our beautiful little Saoirse took her final breath in our arms on Tuesday.
“We thank you our lovely followers for holding Saoírse and us in your thoughts these past few weeks. We think of you all today also as we know how much Saoirse was loved by the nation and the effect she had on so many people’s lives. Cancer you stole her from us, the life we had and our dreams. Life will never be the same."
The star was diagnosed in 2019 with a rare form of bone cancer called Osteosarcoma. The cancer first presented as a tumour in her leg. Saoírse was known for RTE's Late Late Toy Show, which was a special Christmas edition of the Late Late Show currently hosted by Cat Deeley's husband Patrick Kielty.
She had to have her right leg amputated in March 2020 and was given a prosthetic limb. She was a guest on that year's Late Late Toy Show. The President of Ireland paid his respects to Saoírse and tweeted: "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."
Warning as popular food and drink ‘increase risk of cancer death by up to 30%’
Ryan Tubridy also paid tribute to her
Her mum shared the heartbreaking news on social mediaIn June 2022, Saoírse had cancer for a second time and needed an operation to remove a tumour from her lung. Her mother spoke about the 'unimaginable' trauma of watching her child having to go through cancer. In November 2023, Roseanna announced the cancer in one lung spread to the other.
“Saoírse is the bravest soul we know and her one and only request on hearing this heartbreaking news last night was to put up the Christmas tree. So that’s what we are doing, putting up the decorations ahead of [the] Toy Show,” she explained. “As always we ask you to continue to pray for our brave resilient girl.”
Former Late Late Show presenter Ryan Tubridy paid tribute to Saoírse in a post on Instagram. He said: "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.
"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."
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