Ryan Tubridy paid an emotional tribute to the Late Late Toy Show star Saoírse Ruane who sadly passed away earlier this year.
Saoírse won the heart of the nation when she appeared on the Toy Show in 2020.
She spoke bravely about her cancer diagnosis and sparked the Toy Show Appeal which has now raised millions of Euro for children’s charities across the country.
Unfortunately, she passed away in March of this year from cancer at the age of 12.
Saoírse’s mother Roseanna shared a clip of Ryan and her daughter on the Late Late Toy Show when they first met.
“How you made her laugh @instatubridy,” Roseanne wrote alongside the hashtags “12 Weeks” and “Remembering Saoírse”.
Ryan reshared the post and wrote: “One of life’s beautiful souls. Missed every day.”
What an emotional moment.
Saoírse’s family shared the news of her passing in March.
“When there are no words,” they began. “After a long courageous and dignified battle our hearts are shattered to tell you our beautiful little Saoírse 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 Saoírse 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!”
They went on to say: “We ask you to respect our privacy now as we take our last and final journey with our beautiful girl.
“Mamma Dadda & Farrah Rose.”
At the time of her passing, Ryan shared a heartfelt tribute to her.
Speaking on his Virgin UK radio programme, Ryan said that Saoírse was one of the most extraordinary young people he has ever met, who only ever wanted to make the world a better place.
thousands of children all over Ireland now have a better life because of what she started on the Toy Show in 2020.
He even recalled a fond memory of a time he jumped on a trampoline with Saoírse at her home in Galway and had tea and cake in the kitchen.
“We love you, we will miss you, rest in peace you beautiful, beautiful soul,” he concluded his tribute.
Ryan also shared in a touching social media post how they had become friends instantly.
Adding: “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 Saoírse with us all.
“The world is a poorer place without Saoírse but I do hope that twinkle in her eye shines on and on.”
Saoírse, who was from Galway, appeared on the Toy Show for the first time in 2020. After being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, she had to have her right leg amputated.
Late last year, the 12 year old was diagnosed with cancer for a fourth time.
