Saoirse Ruane, who inspired the annual Late Late Toy Show appeal, has been described as a “wonderful little angel” at her funeral on Co Galway.
The 12-year-old, from Kiltullagh, died at her home on Tuesday years after she was diagnosed with cancer.
The youngster won the nation’s hearts when she appeared on the Toy Show during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and spoke about her fight with cancer.
She had been diagnosed with a rare form of the disease and had to have her right leg amputated.
She inspired the launch of the Toy Show Appeal, which has led to millions of euros being raised.
An online post last week said Saoirse died peacefully at her home in the arms of her heartbroken parents, Ollie and Roseanna.
People lined up outside Saints Peter and Paul’s Church in Kiltullagh, while pupils from Saoirse’s Kiltullagh National School and members of a local GAA club formed a guard of honour outside the church.
The funeral cortege was led by two garda motorbikes.
Former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy, who became a friend of Saoirse after she appeared on the RTE show, travelled from London to attend the funeral.
Addressing those gathered for the funeral, Fr Declan McInerney said Saoirse was now the “Saint of Kiltullagh”.
He also welcomed Col Stephen Howard, Aide-de-Camp of President Michael D Higgins, which he said provided comfort to Saoirse’s family.
In an Instagram post, her mother said on Sunday: “One last Mother’s Day with you before you go.
“So grateful to have you today Saoirse.”
In a social media last week, Roseanna said: “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.
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
“We thank you our lovely followers for holding Saoirse 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.”
A statement also said: “Saoirse, 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 Saoirse in their hearts.”
“Saoirse, adored daughter to Ollie and Roseanna, big sister to Farrah Rose, half-sister to Rebecca, granddaughter to Anne Ruane and Tony and Ann Brehony, an adored niece, cousin, family member and of course, best friend to Willow and Slush, was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
“A pupil of Kiltullagh National School, Saoirse will be missed but always remembered by her school friends and teachers, who have travelled the road with Saoirse on her journey, and were a source of joy and fun to her.”
Former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy said: “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.
“The world is a poorer place without Saoirse but I do hope that twinkle in her eye shines on and on.”
At the end of Friday’s Late Late show, host Patrick Kielty said that Saoirse lit up TV screens and the lives of her family and friends.
“When Saoirse inspired the very first Toy Show appeal back then, little did any of us know that she was going to start something amazing,” he said.
“In just four short years she would help so many children and their families across Ireland.
“We know her light will continue to shine for so many years to come.
“From everyone on the Late Late Show, we send our love tonight to Saoirse’s family.”
