The brave and brilliant Saoírse Ruane is a part of Toy Show history, and her legacy continues in the Toy Show appeal, which to date has raised and incredible €25 million euro for dedicated children's charities.
The Galway native made her first apperance on the show in 2020 at the age of just eight, where she spoke to then-host Ryan Tubridy about her journey with a rare bone cancer, and inspired the creation of the appeal.
The bright little girl sadly passed away in March 2024, and with how much she means to the national audience and the show itself, it was only right that a tribute was made in her honour on the show.
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In a sweet detail noticed by many members of the Toy Show audience at home, a big gold star labelled "Saoírse's Star" was perched atop the big Christmas tree in the studio.
As a number of performers prepared to launch into a renditions of a song from the movie musical Wicked, the camera panned to the top of the tree to show the glittering tribute above the studio.
Saoírse's mum Roseanna made a beautiful statement via social media on Friday, sharing her wish for her daughter on the evening of the show.
She said: "My wish for you tonight is that you get to watch it on a big screen with all the other little angels in heaven and Slush (her daughter's favourite stuffed toy) by your side."
"‘I hope you get lots of hot chocolate, popcorn and sweets galore. I’ll be thinking of you my precious, precious girl."
She also shared a number of posts about Saoírse's star to her Instagram story, reacting to those who have been moved by it's presence.
While some shared their response to the star via Instagram, others posted to X to note their approval of the subtle tribute.
One said: "Oh not me ugly crying the second I realised what Saoírse's Star was."
Another added: "Saoírse's star sent tears streaming down my face tonight. Sending all the love in the world to Roseanna, Ollie and Farrah Rose. Saoirse will always be the toy show superstar."
A third said: "This really caught me off-guard. Done subtly, didn't take focus away from the kids on tonight's show or steal their shine but having Saoírse shining bright over everyone tonight was a fitting tribute to someone really special, the first name in the #LateLateToyShow hall of fame."
