Ryan Tubridy in emotional tribute after death of Saoirse Ruane - 'The nation fell in love with her'

Former RTE Late Late Show and Toy Show host Ryan Tubridy has paid tribute to former Toy Show star Saoirse Ruane after her sad death.

The family of the 12-year-old from Co. Galway announced her death on Thursday after a long battle with cancer. Saoirse captured the hearts of people across Ireland when she appeared on the Late Late Toy Show, during the height, of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

She appeared again in 2022 alongside her parents and host of the Late Late Show at the time, Ryan Tubridy, has added to tributes to the young girl on his new Virgin Media radio show in the UK.

He described her as a "selfless, humble, kind, optimistic and thoughtful child" as he mentioned her death "with the greatest sadness imaginable" on Thursday show. 

“We became friends instantly when we met," he told listeners. "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."

"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,” Ryan added.

He also sent his condolences to Saoirse's family in Galwa: “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."

Having being diagnosed with a rare form of the disease in December 2019, Saoírse had to have her right leg amputated and her appearance on the Toy Show coincided with the launch of the Toy Show appeal which has helped raise millions of Euro over the past three years.

Last year, Saoirse's family revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer for a fourth time and this Thursday morning they announced she died earlier this week.

"It is with broken hearts the Ruane family announces the passing of their beautiful daughter and sister, Saoírse, who passed away peacefully at home, after a long illness bravely borne, in the arms of her heartbroken parents, Ollie and Roseanna, on Tuesday, March 5 2024," read her death notice published on RIP.ie.

"Saoírse, 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 Saoírse in their hearts," it added.

Saoirse will repose at her home this Friday afternoon and her Funeral Mass will take place in St Peter and Paul's Church, Kiltullagh, Co Galway on Sunday afternoon.