Saoírse Ruane, who captured the hearts of the nation on The Late Late Toy Show in 2020, has died.
The 12-year-old passed away peacefully at home after a long illness on Tuesday, her family said.
Saoírse was surrounded by her family including her 'heartbroken' parents Ollie and Roseanna.
Her family has thanked people in the local Galway community of Kiltullagh and those all over the country "who held Saoírse in their hearts."
Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in December 2019, Saoírse had to have her right leg amputated.
In May 2022 her father said the cancer had returned, describing it as a 'bump in the road.'
"We will get through it and Saoírse will fight the same way she did the last time," he said. "She's so courageous".
Her death notice says the young schoolgirl was "big sister to Farrah Rose, half-sister to Rebecca, granddaughter 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."
In a post on Instagram this morning, her family said their "beautiful little Saoírse" died after a "long courageous and dignified battle".
View this post on Instagram
They thanked their "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," they said.
Saoírse will repose at home on Friday ahead of a funeral mass at 2pm on Sunday.
Her family has asked that people make a donation in Saoírse's memory to the Galway Hospice.
