Ryan Tubridy flew home to say farewell to 'best friend' Saoírse Ruane

Ryan Tubridy flew home to Ireland to say farewell to his 'best friend' Saoírse Ruane, who died aged 12.

Tubridy flew home to attend the little girl's funeral, which took place on Sunday afternoon.

"Making a brief journey home to say goodbye to Saoirse. I’ll be bringing the thousands of messages you very kindly posted. Thank you for your thoughtfulness," he said, posting a video of a plane on Instagram.

Saoírse, aged 12, passed away peacefully at home in the arms of her heartbroken parents, Ollie and Roseanna, on Tuesday, March 5.

The little girl captured the hearts of the nation after her inspiring appearance on the Toy Show Appeal.

Her funeral will take place today in her native Kiltullagh at 2pm.

On Sunday morning, Ryan Tubridy paid tribute to the little girl on his radio show. 

"It's with a heavy heart that I start today's show with just a mention of the most remarkable young person... I just want to mention her today because, well, we're here together and today is the day, sadly, of the funeral," he said.

He told listeners about his first meeting with Saoírse.

"I met Sasha on The Late Late Show when she came on to talk about her prosthetic leg and her battle with cancer. And we became friends, and it was most unlikely friendship herself and her mom, Rosanna, and her dad, Ollie and her little sister Farrah Rose became part of my extended family. It doesn't always happen with the Late Late Toy Show."

Ryan had visited the little girl and her family in Galway. 

"We had tea and cake and I suppose, ridiculously bouncing on her trampoline in the back garden," Ryan said.

Back when he was working on the Late Late Show, Tubridy received a card from his "best friend".

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Love, your best friend, Saoírse," the card read.