Ireland's Fittest Family was scheduled to return on October 27 but has been postponed.(Image: RTE)

Tributes pour in after death of 'very popular' teen who competed in RTE's Ireland's Fittest Family

23 Oct 2024, 10:27 by Emma Nevin · Irish Mirror

Devastating news as Dublin mourns the loss of Cillian Flaherty, a "very popular" teenager and participant in this year's Ireland's Fittest Family. The 15 year old, who was studying in his third year at Blakestown Community School in Blanchardstown, sadly passed away on Monday.

His family joined him in competing in the 12th series of the hit show during the summer. Following Cillian's tragic passing, RTÉ has postponed the first episode that was set to broadcast on Sunday October 27 at 6:30pm.

Fans will have to wait for the new airing date as RTE promised to provide updates soon.

In a heartfelt statement released on Tuesday, RTE conveyed their condolences: "The broadcast of the new series of Ireland's Fittest Family originally scheduled to begin this Sunday night, has now been postponed following the death of one of this year's participants subsequent to the completion of the series. RTÉ and Kite/Animo productions wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and friends at this time."

Leading the tributes, Blakestown Community School remembered Cillian as an esteemed member of their community, stating: "It is with great sadness that we are sharing the news of the untimely passing of one of our 3rd-year students, Cillian Flaherty.", reports Dublin Live.

The school expressed its shock and sadness, stating: "This has come as a huge shock to our whole school community. Our sincere sympathies are with Cillian's family and friends at this time. Cillian was a very popular member of our school community and we know that he will be hugely missed by all those who knew him.

"We are supporting students here in school while dealing with this tragic event and we aim to send on some information, at a later date, that might assist you in supporting your children through this difficult time at home."

Verona FC also paid tribute, saying: "Verona FC is saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Cillian Flaherty who was part of the MBG FC U16 team, we are thinking of Cillian's family, friends and everyone at MBG FC at this time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Cillian's Funeral Mass is scheduled for 11am on Saturday, October 26, at the Church of St. Philip the Apostle, Mountview, followed by burial in Mulhuddart Cemetery.

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