Ryan Tubridy pays tribute to ‘beautiful’ Saoirse Ruane three months after tragic death

The 12-year-old from Kiltullagh, Co Galway sadly passed away on March 10 after a brave battle 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 illness, inspiring the launch of the Toy Show Appeal, which has led to millions of euros being raised for charity.

She had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, which led to her right leg being amputated.

Taking to Instagram this week, Saoirse’s mother Roseanna shared a clip of her daughter with then Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy on that year’s Toy Show.

“How you made her laugh @instatubridy,” she wrote, adding the hashtags “12 Weeks” and “Remembering Saoírse”.

Ryan reshared the post on his own Instagram Stories and said: “One of life’s beautiful souls. Missed every day.”

On Tuesday, Roseanna marked 12 weeks since her daughter’s passing by sharing a sweet video of the pair with Saoirse’s younger sister, Farrah Rose, walking hand in hand in a forest.

Captioning the black and white clip, Roseanna wrote: “We’ll always hold space for you Saoírse…

“12 weeks today. Mind us Saoírse, send us strength and buckets of love.

“We’re right behind you pudsy”.

The bereaved shared the devastating news of Saoirse’s passing in a social media post earlier this year, explaining that she died peacefully at her home in the arms of her parents.

She 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.

“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.”