The funeral of Saoírse Ruane, the 12-year-old who inspired the Late Late Toy Show Appeal, will be held today. 

Her funeral mass will be held at St. Peter and Paul's Church in Kiltullagh in Galway at 2pm, followed by the burial in Bullaun Cemetery. 

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. 

The Galway native captured the hearts of the nation on the 2020 edition of the Late Late Toy Show. 

During her segment, Saoírse spoke about living with a rare form of cancer called Osteosarcoma, which ultimately caused her to lose a leg. 

She was the catalyst for the Toy Show appeal which began in 2020 during the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Over €6 million was donated in a matter of hours and since then more than €17.5 million has been raised by the annual appeal. 

In May 2022 her father said the cancer had returned. 

Tributes to Saoírse

The President, the Tanáiste, and former Late Late host Ryan Tubridy were among those leading tributes to the 12-year-old. 

President Micheal D Higgins said: “Saoírse's strength and warmth was an inspiration to all.” 

Mr Tubridy said Saoírse was “a selfless, humble, kind, optimistic and thoughtful child”. 

“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,” he said in a statement on Thursday. 

“The world is a poorer place without Saoírse, but I do hope that twinkle in her eye shines on and on.” 

Her family has asked that people make a donation in Saoírse's memory to the Galway Hospice.