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Extra.ie
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Ryan Tubridy: 'Memories of kind and thoughtful Saoirse will live with us forever'
It's rare that I refer back to the dark days of the pandemic, given how awful it was for everyone, but it's necessary today for the purpose of this story. At the height of the Covid era, we found ourselves putting together the oddest Late Late Toy Show of them all. The dreadful 'social distancing' was in full flight, there was no audience (that silence was eerie) and hugs/handshakes/ pats on the back were all banned by order of the Covid tsars. RTE presenter Ryan Tubridy channelling Fantastic Mr. Fox for the opening number of The Late Late Toy Show. Pic: Andres Poveda I shudder at the memory, but the show had to go on, and thanks to an extraordinary backroom team at every level of the organisation, a special Roald Dahl-themed opening number (I was Fantastic Mister Fox) kick-started one of the most memorable broadcasts of my 20-something years in front of a camera. This week, I was brought right back to that evening for so many reasons by Roseanna Ruane, who was my guest on The Bookshelf podcast. We had spoken a few months ago and I asked if I could be of any use, to which she suggested that she'd love to talk about a series of 'Evening with…' events she was hosting to talk about grief in its many manifestations with experts, in front of an audience interested in other people talking openly and frankly about their experiences. Roseanna Ruane and daughter Saoirse Ruane. Pic: Brian McEvoy I invited Roseanna to come on the podcast to talk about books that influenced her life, but also about how our paths crossed and how she and her family have coped with the cruelty and heartbreak of losing their beautiful daughter, Saoirse. It was on that Toy Show that we introduced the country to young Saoirse and her mam as they sat on a park bench, distanced from me on my own seat. Saoirse was confidently shy, if you can be such a thing. She had what my daughter calls kind eyes, and this was all made more remarkable as she described what it was like to have an amputation and a prosthetic at such a young age. Saoirse Ruane with Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy. Pic: RTÉ With gentle courage and great dignity, she won the hearts of a nation hungry for escape, warmth and good news. Saoirse became a celebrity, and Roseanna was reflecting on the adjustments required as the family became well-known. Strangers stopped them to wish them well and maybe pop into a selfie with them, the usual sort of thing. The Ruane's got on with their lives, and I had the pleasure of being their friend. I'll never forget one gorgeous morning when I drove to Kiltullagh and visited Saoirse at her school, followed by tea, cake, and trampoline jumps in the garden of her home. Roseanna Ruane and daughter Saoirse Ruane. Pic: Saoirse and Mamma/Instagram There were other encounters and cards, all of which reminded me of the kind and gentle person Saoirse was. When she died in March last year, the country was aghast at the unfairness and brutality of it. The funeral was beyond sad, and everyone felt for the Ruanes and their extended family. Anyone who has grieved a child will understand the depths of this grief, and those who haven't can only try to comprehend the abyss of heartache. Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy with Saoirse Ruane and her parents Ollie and Roseanna. Pic: RTÉ In our conversation, Roseanna speaks with a gentle dignity the like of which I have never heard. She explains how she keeps going and how Ollie and Farrah Rose survive in their own ways. There is a strength and resilience on display that will act as a salve for people in a dark place because there is hope there, too. It's breathtaking really, and explains why there was such a big response from listeners who wanted to hear how the family were doing a little over a year after they said goodbye to Saoirse. And yet, Saoirse is very much present for the Ruanes. Every time she is talked about, remembered and seen in a photograph or on a much-loved clip, Saoirse Ruane is with us, and the memory of this exceptional, thoughtful, kind and caring young Galway girl will live forever. Ryan Tubridy. Pic: Nick Edwards I've always admired musical societies as a social hub in communities. It's not that I'd join one (I wouldn't pass an audition!), but anyone I've ever met who is part of one is always great fun and up for a song at the end of a night. Last weekend, I attended my first-ever recital by the famous Rathmines and Rathgar Musical Society (The R&R) at one of the churches in Dublin's Monkstown. What followed was two hours of pure joy and a delightful mix of tunes from the movies, musicals and beyond. Everything from The Lion King to Cabaret and Gilbert & Sullivan was sung with gusto and great humour. It was a joyous affair and a lovely antidote to the grim news the world has to offer. Happily, the show spilt over to my place afterwards when some of the cast regaled us with a few numbers from Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda, above, to finish off a belter of a night!
Extra.ie
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Roseanna Ruane reveals devastating moment she was told daughter Saoirse's time was 'limited'
Roseanna Ruane has opened up on the moment she was told her daughter Saoirse's time was 'limited,' and there was no more that could be done in her cancer battle. Saoírse won the hearts of the nation following her appearance on the Late Late Toy Show in 2020, which prompted the creation of the Toy Show Appeal. The fundraiser has raised millions of euro for charities since its inception. Roseanna Ruane has opened up on the moment she was told her daughter Saoirse's time was 'limited,' and there was no more that could be done in her cancer battle. Pic: Instagram/ Roseanna Ruane Speaking on The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy on Tuesday, Roseanna admitted that the family 'still weren't ready' to talk in full about the loss of Saoirse, but revealed that a CT scan in April 2023 changed everything. 'She presented very well and the CT scan was done and it was, 'Sure, lookit, we'll give you a ring later,' this was the norm. Off we go down to Galway,' Roseanna detailed, 'We thought no more of it, we thought it was going to be another good review, but it wasn't. 'We got the CT scans before we ever left Dublin. We were just called into a room and you know it's that look between the doctor and you in the corridor and the beckoning, I just knew.' On Tuesday, Ryan was joined by Roseanna for the seventh episode of his book-inspired podcast, The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy. Pic: The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy Roseanna shared how they were told on that day that there was no more that could be done to help Saoirse. 'We were told that day that there was no more they could do — they could keep throwing chemo at her; they could keep having surgeries and surgeries but… She had started initially with the cancer in the tibia in her leg and then she got cancer in her leg and this was a relapse… it just kept coming,' Roseanna shared. 'We were being told her time was limited now, and this was April 2023 and I asked the question would we have her for Christmas and I was told possibly not. That's the day we started grieving the life that we knew was ahead.' Ryan Tubridy and Saoírse Ruane. Pic: SaoirseAndMamma/Instagram Elsewhere in the podcast, Ryan revealed he had recently found a letter he received from Saoirse following his departure from RTÉ. The presenter and broadcaster departed the public service broadcaster in 2023, and is now fronting his own mid-morning show with Virgin Radio UK. Saoirse's letter to Ryan read: 'To Ryan, you're going to be really missed but we will keep up our friendship and our door will always be open to you. 'Thank you for everything Toy Show related, and the unconditional love you have always shown me and my family. We would love you to pop in for some Black Forest Gateau on route home from your holidays in the West of Ireland. 'Lots of love and hugs, Saoirse Ruane.'
The Irish Sun
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘I've never been so excited in my life' scream fans as iconic Irish 00s song hits streaming services for first time ever
FANS of a major 2000s DJ have been left screaming as the popular artist has announced a rerelease of one of his major hit singles. Dublin based DJ and producer Mark McCabe has celebrated the 25th anniversary of his hit song Maniac 2000 with a new recording. Advertisement 2 Mark McCabe has re-released his hit single Credit: Instagram 2 Mark's fans were delighted by the release Credit: Instagram The popular musician released his chart-topping hit Maniac 2000, which turned 25 years old today. The song is the fifth best-selling Irish single, and to mark its milestone anniversary, he has re-recorded the hit. The remastered version features vocals from Mimi Lane and was released today on streaming platforms. Before this re-release of the song, it was not available to stream online. Advertisement READ MORE ON MUSIC Sharing the song with his followers, Mark posted a video of him performing the song. Friends and fans all flocked to his comment section to gush over the fabulous drop. One fan wrote: "Well done Mark. Forever young! Thanks so much for including Mimi." Maria commented: "Ah the memories." Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Exclusive Ronan joked: "In the timeless words of Carl Cox: 'oh yes, oh yes!' Siobhan remarked: "I've never been so excited in my life I'm absolutely buzzing." Ireland AM host's left shocked at guest's sunbed horror Another fan added: "Pop offff and the sun is shining." Yesterday, as part of the promotion for the track, Mark appeared on an episode of Advertisement A delighted Muireann and Tommy posed for a quick snap with the musician. MAJOR MILESTONE He also brought along Late Late Toy Show breakout star and now major DJ, Calum Kieran. Calum rose to national prominence when he played a set on RTE's popular Christmas show; viewers instantly fell in love with the pre-teen, almost launching his career overnight. Since then, Calum's music has gone from strength to strength and his career has largely been spearheaded by Mark. Advertisement Elsewhere on the show, the happy hosts were elated to be joined by early 2000s boy band, Five. The group were on the show to promote their upcoming reunion tour with all of the original members. The pair grinned wide as they took a quick photo with the group, where Muireann and Tommy could barely contain their smiles.
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Ireland AM star completely missing on air AGAIN during ‘busy' show in shake-up as guests praise ‘favourite' hosts
IRELAND AM had a host shake-up this week as one of the mainstay presenters was missing from the Virgin Media studios. , and co-host the hit morning show together on weekdays. Advertisement 4 Tommy and Muireann hosted Ireland AM solo today Credit: Instagram 4 The pair enjoyed a music heavy show Credit: Instagram 4 Muireann and Tommy were joined by Five on today's show Credit: Instagram However, Alan was off air today, leaving just Tommy and Muireann to host the hit morning breakfast show. On today's show, the pair were joined by iconic DJ Mark McCabe as he celebrated the 25th anniversary of his hit club track Maniac 2000. Delighted by his drop in to the show, both Muireann and Tommy posed for a quick snap with the DJ. He also brought along Late Late Toy Show breakout star and now major DJ, Calum Kieran. Advertisement Read more on tommy bowe Calum rose to national prominence when he played a set on RTE's popular Christmas show; viewers instantly fell in love with the pre-teen, almost launching his career overnight. Since then, Calum's music has gone from strength to strength and his career has largely been spearheaded by Mark. Elsewhere on the show, the happy hosts were elated to be joined by early 2000s boy band, Five. The group were on the show to promote their upcoming reunion tour with all of the original members. Advertisement Most read in News TV The pair grinned wide as they took a quick photo with the group, where Muireann and Tommy could barely contain their smiles. After a busy and music heavy show, Tommy took to his Instagram to share some of the snaps. Ireland AM host's left shocked at guest's sunbed horror He captioned the post: "And now they are 7! Class having Five in launching their comeback tour. "Mark McCabeofficial re releasing MANIAC2000!!! And @djcalumkieran and Hypeman Jackson in for a DJ lesson. Busy morning on @irelandamvmtv." Advertisement Friends and fans raced to the presenter's comment section to gush over his fabulous guests. One of their guests, DJ Calum commented: "Two of our favourite people! It's always so much fun coming on with you two. Thanks so much for having us." Ruth gushed over Five being in studio, writing: "Have my ticket can't wait x." Joanie said: "Muireann, what a lucky gal you were this morning!!" Advertisement Another fan added: "There's something really magnetic in your photos." 4 Alan Hughes was missing from the show this morning Credit: VMTV
