Viewer's react to Ireland's Fittest Family episode featuring 15-year-old who tragically passed away

Tonight’s episode of Ireland’s fittest family featured the family of teenage contestant Cillian Flaherty, who tragically passed away last year, before the episode was set to air.

The 15-year-old from Dublin died suddenly at home on October 21^st, 2024.

A statement regarding tonight’s episode said: "The Flaherty family have watched the series and given their full support for it to go ahead.”

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RTÉ also took to their social media to post a tribute to Cillian, writing: “His spirit, determination, and strength shone brightly on Ireland’s Fittest Family. As his family’s episode airs this evening, our thoughts are with his loved ones.”

Viewers of the show flooded the comments with condolences for his family, with one viewer commenting: “Just awful for any family to go through. My heart hurts for his family may he R.I.P”.

Another wrote: “So sad. Ireland’s Bravest Family. May he rest in peace” and a third said: “What a lovely family to celebrate Cillian’s life in this way as heart-breaking as it is to them all. RIP young man, your legacy lives on”.

The Flaherty family were due to feature in the new series which ordinarily airs before Christmas, however due to the sudden death, RTÉ delayed the release of the episodes.

The episodes were recorded in Wicklow ’s Killruddery Estate during the summer, and all necessary filming and editing had been completed before the tragic news emerged.

The series was postponed to “honour Cillian Flaherty’s memory and provide space for his family during such a difficult time”.

The third-year student was found dead in his at home in October of last year.

Before his death, the teenager had no underlying health conditions that his family was aware of. Cillian’s friends and family were devastated by the news of his tragic passing.

Ireland’s Fittest Family shows 16 families as they undergo tests of speed, strength and endurance.

Sporting stars Anna Geary, Sonia O’Sullivan, Donncha O’Callaghan and Davy Fitzgerald mentor the families on the show, and it is hosted by Laura Fox.