Saoírse visited the president in 2022.
President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to Saoírse Ruane after the 12-year-old died on Tuesday, March 5.
Saoírse, who touched the hearts of the nation following her appearance on the Late Late Toy Show in 2020, passed away after a long battle with cancer.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, President Higgins said: “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.”
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
Saoírse and her family visited Áras an Uachtaráin in 2022, after an invite from the president.
In a post on Instagram at the time, Saoirse’s mother said:
“Saoírse was blown away when she received an invitation to join President and Sabina Higgins at yesterdays garden party and myself and Ollie were only chuffed to be alongside her
“What a magnificent day full of fun, lovely people, music and lots of dancing.”
She added that “it was such a proud moment to see President Higgins put his arm around our inspirational girl.”
“An inspiration to all” – President Higgins pays tribute to Saoírse Ruane
Saoírse was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in December 2019 and had her right leg amputated.
Her appearance on the Toy Show in 2020 saw the founding of the Toy Show appeal, which has since raised millions of euros for children’s charities.
Towards the end of 2023, Saoírse’s mother Roseanna said that the 12-year-old was undergoing treatment after a fourth cancer diagnosis.
In a notice online, Saoírse’s family made the announcement:
“It is with broken hearts the Ruane family announce 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 5th March 2024.
“Predeceased by her grandfather Michael Ruane. Saoírse, adored daughter to Ollie and Roseanna, big sister to Farrah Rose, half-sister to Rebecca, grand-daughter 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, Saoírse will be missed but always remembered by her school friends and teachers, who have travelled the road with Saoírse on her journey, and were a source of joy and fun to her.
“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.
“In Saoírse’s short life, she inspired and influenced so many. If you would like to make a donation in Saoírse’s memory, please donate to the Galway Hospice using the following link: In Memory of Saoírse.’
The notice ends with a quote from Winnie the Pooh, which reads:
“If ever there comes a time when we can’t be together, Keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever” – Winnie the Pooh. Fly Now with the Angels Saoírse.”
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