13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Ryan Tubridy reveals ‘touching' letter late Saoirse Ruane sent him after he left RTÉ
The 12-year-old died from cancer last year
Ryan Tubridy has revealed the touching letter that the late Saoirse Ruane sent him after he left RTÉ.
Saoirse died from cancer last year at 12 years old.
She appeared on the Toy Show in 2020 and inspired the creation of the annual Toy Show Appeal, which has raised millions of euros for charity in the years since.
Speaking to her mother Roseanna on the latest episode of his podcast The Bookshelf, the presenter shared the words Saoirse wrote to him before her death in 2024.
'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,' the letter reads.
Ryan Tubridy with Saoirse Ruane
News in 90 Seconds - May 13th
'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.'
Tubridy left the national broadcaster in July 2023 when he stepped down from his role presenting The Late Late Show.
His departure came in the wake of a payments scandal, which saw RTÉ face huge public scrutiny after it was revealed that they had underdeclared payments to him.
The presenter, his agent Noel Kelly and several senior RTÉ executives and board members were called before an Oireachtas committee.
Following his departure from the broadcaster, Tubridy joined Virgin Radio UK, where he hosts The Ryan Tubridy Show from London on weekdays and Sundays.
The show is also syndicated, broadcasting on Dublin's Q102 at the same time.
He also hosts his podcast, The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy.
He recently threw his support behind fellow veteran broadcaster Joe Duffy who revealed he is set to leave RTÉ at the end of June.
Working at the broadcaster for 37 years, Duffy presented the flagship lunchtime show 'Liveline' for 27.
Tubridy reacted to the news on Instagram, sharing a black and white photo of them posing together with the caption: "I love to talk to Joe.'
'Good man! One of our greatest broadcasters and thoughtful with it,' he continued.
'There's a whole other world waiting for Joe Duffy, here's to the next chapter.'
Duffy announced the news on his show last week.
Joe Duffy
"After 37 wonderful years here in RTÉ, and 27 years presenting Liveline, it has been an incredible honour and privilege to be part of a programme that relied entirely on trust: the trust of our listeners,' he said.
"People felt they could pick up the phone, ring Liveline, and share their lives, problems, stories sad, bad, sometimes mad and funny, their struggles, and their victories.
"I never took that for granted, not for a single minute. RTÉ has been a great place to work. Public service has always been at its heart,' he continued.
"And now, after many happy years, I've decided the time has come to move on. I would like to thank you the listener for tuning in each and every day, it has been an honour to sit in this seat and hear your stories.'
