At the same location where she was confirmed just one year prior, Saoírse Ruane’s funeral mass was held. Saoírse, a 12-year-old girl from Kiltullagh in County Galway, tragically passed away due to cancer last week. She’s remembered by her village, not just as a sixth year pupil of the local national school situated across from St Peter and St Paul parish church where her funeral was held, but as an inspiration from her appearance on the Late Late Toy Show.
She was known not only as a member of the Kilimordaly GAA club, Kiltullagh Pioneers FC football team and the local athletics club, but also as a beloved friend and classmate of the Kiltullagh National School pupils. Her life, though short, touched many, as evident from the guards of honour that formed when her coffin arrived at the church.
Items symbolic of Saoírse’s life were brought to the altar, including her camogie hurl, beads of courage given by Crumlin Hospital, a harp, a photo of her dear dog Willow and a school picture. Audience members in the little church included Ryan Tubridy, the prior host of the Late Late Show, who interacted with local children on his way in.
Fr Declan McInerney, who co-conducted Saoírse’s funeral mass, brought up the young girl’s presence in Irish public memory during the Covid-19 pandemic, when she became a beacon of hope on the Late Late Toy Show in 2020. In his gratitude to Saoírse’s parents, Ollie and Roseanna, he acknowledged the lasting memory Saoírse left, encapsulating the joys and pains of her illness, remarking that Ireland gained something irreplaceable from their “special girl called Saoírse”.
Roseanna, the mother of a brave young girl battling cancer, reflected on the four years, three months, one week and four days since her daughter’s diagnosis, describing it as the hardest journey her family had to embark on. She spoke on Mother’s Day, expressing the honor she felt in standing by her daughter’s side and caring for her during these trying times. One of the touching memories she held close was her daughter’s gratitude and affectionate words, naming her “one of the best mamas in the world”.
A heavy-hearted Roseanna shared about the devastating grief that engulfed their family as they bid their farewells to their cherished daughter, who they considered as the best person they had ever known. According to Roseanna, her daughter’s life was simply too beautiful for this world.
Her child bravely faced numerous challenges without ever allowing her high spirits to wane. They even managed to embark on joyous trips to Disneyland, Lapland, Old Trafford and a recent trip to London last December. The family, thus faced this current tragedy with no regrets.
Her daughter was a beacon of joy and hope, elevating the spirits of those around her, always fighting her illness with grace and never letting it hamper her spirit. Her passing brought the nation to a standstill in mourning, testament to the significant impact she had had on those around her.
Reflecting on the flood of prayers from across the country, Roseanna asked everyone to pray for her daughter, Saoirse. Emotionally, she referred to Saoirse as Ireland’s child, who now resided in heaven, leaving an entire nation in tears.