RTE viewers moved by 'heartbreaking' interview as Saoirse Ruane's parents speak of her legacy

Late Late Show viewers have shared how they were moved as the courageous Roseanna and Ollie Ruane, parents of the late Saoirse Ruane, paid tribute to their daughter on tonight's show.

The Galway girl captured the hearts of the nation when she appeared on The Late Late Show alongside then presenter Ryan Tubridy in 2020.

Roseanna and Ollie spoke to host Patrick Kielty about their wonderful daughter, as they launched this year's Toy Show Appeal.

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The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal began in 2020, and was inspired by the story of Saoirse. She appeared on the show that year, aged eight, to tell her story and launch the appeal. Saoirse's cancer journey began in 2019 and she received four diagnoses over four years. She sadly passed away in March, at 12-years-old.

As they discussed Saoirse and her legacy, Roseanna said she is "unbelievably proud" of everything Saoirse did.

Speaking to Patrick, Roseanna said: "All the good she did, the kind heart she had, and she never let cancer define her. She never saw herself as having a disability. Her only aim was to get back to some form of normality and get back on the pitch and play her camogie."

Roseanna spoke of how Saoirse's sister, Farrah-Rose, has been the rock to get them all through this extremely difficult time.

"I think it's only now I'm realising that she wasn't sent to be a sibling to Saoirse, she was actually sent to carry us," she said. "Because I would be doing as good as I am now if I didn't have her to get out of bed for in the morning.

"If anything, she deserves as much of a normal childhood as we can give her."

Ollie also highlighted how common it is to bury your grief, and how he now goes to counselling in order to deal with everything that has happened and the loss of Saoirse.

"It's a sign of strength to be able to say that you're not okay and you need to talk to somebody," he said. "You're actually doing something about it. You're looking for the help and you're getting the help."

The pair also thanked the public for their support in the aftermath of Saoirse's death, as they said knowing that so many people loved and cared for her helped them.

Viewers were deeply moved by Roseanna and Ollie's words, taking to social media to praise them during their appearance on the show.

"Just heartbreaking … such a lovely young lady and such brave parents," wrote one person on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Another wrote: "Saoirse Ruane was such a wonderful, courageous, inspiring & kind little girl. My heart breaks for her parents, her little sister & all who loved her."

"Hug your kids tighter this evening after watching this couple. Their daughter brought an amazing energy into our house when myself and my kids watched her on the toy show. A beautiful girl," a third said.

Another said: "Looking at Saoirse Ruanes parents on the Late Late, you genuinely just take everything for granted, everything. Can only imagine what they went through, heartbreaking."