'The nation’s child': Toy Show star Saoírse Ruane described as 'wonderful little angel' at funeral

The 12-year-old passed away on Tuesday following a long battle with bone cancer and was laid to rest in her home village of Kiltullagh on Mother’s Day.

She had a “long and difficult” four years since she was first diagnosed with the illness, parents Roseanna and Ollie said.

On Sunday, hundreds lined the country roads of her local parish to pay their final respects to the child, who stole the hearts of the nation when she appeared on the Toy Show in 2020.

The congregation heard how Saoírse had undergone several surgeries, including the amputation of one of her legs and lung surgery. She had received her fifth diagnosis in December, which revealed her cancer had spread “all over”.

Delivering a powerful eulogy at the end of the emotional two-hour service for her firstborn child at St Peter and Paul’s church, Ms Ruane said it will be “a Mother’s Day we will never forget.” 

She spoke about how she was tucking a pillow under Saoírse’s head in the days before she died, when the child said: “Thanks momma, you’re the best momma in the world". 

“Life really does change in a heartbeat,” she said fighting back tears. 

“Don’t take things for granted, don’t put off what you think you have a lifetime to enjoy with your children. Book that holiday, take the videos, spend time with those you love and who truly love you back.

“Stop caring what people say, what they think, get out of bed in the morning and if you’re able, take on the day. Don’t let anyone ever take the joy of life away from you. Live your life because you only have one”.

Outside the church, there was a sea of green as adults and children from Kiltullagh wore jerseys to represent their local GAA and athletic clubs.

Just after 2pm, the funeral cortege arrived at the church where only a year earlier, Saoírse had celebrated her confirmation.

The child’s coffin was covered in flowers, and draped in a patchwork blanket of photos.

Family friend Fr Declan McInerney described Saoírse as “the saint of Kiltullagh” and called for the child to be “canonised” for all the good work she had done.

“Her name has rolled out the tongue I’d say, of absolutely every human being in Ireland since her appearance on the Late Late Toy Show,” he said.

“Canonised or not canonised, we will canonise her today. We will never forget this angel.” 

He thanked her family for allowing the public into their lives during their daughter’s sickness and said her appearance on the Toy Show had helped raise millions for charities all around the country.

President Michael D Higgins was represented at the funeral by his Aide-de-Camp Col Stephen Howard, with former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy also in attendance.

Offertory gifts included the Saoírse's camogie stick as well as a school photo and a picture of her puppy Willow which the family got in the past year.

Ms Ruane said when they knew the odds were stacked against Saoírse they tried to “box tick” all her favourite things and travelled to Disneyland and Lapland and visited family and friends.

“Saoirse you really are the nation’s child,” she said. 

“You are in heaven now with arms wrapped around your confidant and loyal teddy Slush.” 

She finished by describing how Saoírse never went to sleep without saying to her family “night night, see you in the morning, please God”. 

“I will continue for the rest of my life to say those words, in the hope I get to see you again someday.

“Night night Saoírse, see you in the morning, please God,” she said.