RTE Ireland’s Fittest Family are set to air the episode featuring late contestant Cillian Flaherty.
The Flaherty family, who tragically lost 15-year-old Cillian back in October, will feature on the show this Saturday.
Cillian, from Whitestown in Blanchardstown, Dublin, passed away suddenly in his home on October 21, 2024.
It was reported that he had played a match and went to sleep, but sadly never woke up.
The youngster was due to appear on the hit RTE series, however, following the teenager’s sudden death, RTE made the decision to delay the show.
The tragedy happened just six days before the highly-anticipated series was due for release.
RTE later announced that they would consider releasing the pre-recorded show at some stage in the future.
And the broadcaster has now revealed that the Flaherty family will finally appear in this weeks episode of the show.
Cillian, who was a third-year student at Blakestown Community School, took part in the programme with his family, who are heavily involved in sport and fitness.
A source from RTE said: “The decision to delay Ireland’s Fittest Family was made to honour Cillian Flaherty’s memory and provide space for his family during such a difficult time.
“The Flaherty family have watched the series and given their full support for it to go ahead.
“We once again extend our deepest condolences to all those affected and thank our audience for their understanding.”
The series, which has a viewership of about 400,000 people each week, will air on Saturday nights on RTE One at 6.30pm for the next number of weeks.
The Sunday World reported that no re-shoots have been made since the teen’s death and added that Cillian would be honoured on the show in a respectful manner.
Although it is not understood how far the Flaherty family went in the competition, it has been noted that Cillian features heavily in the programme.
EMOTIONAL TRIBUTES
Cillian’s death came as a huge shock to his family and friends and his loved ones have remembered him as a “precious boy”.
In an emotional tribute, Cillian’s brother Kian shared several photos and videos of his late sibling on social media, telling how “words can’t describe the heartbreak”.
He wrote: “I love you lil bro, rest in paradise”.
Another heartfelt notice online read: “Cillian, Cillo Flats, precious son of Paula and Paul, dear brother of Kian and Heidi, cherished grandson of Frances, Dolores and the late Thomas, Paul and Mick and boyfriend of Katie.
“Sadly missed by his loving mother, father, brother, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, neighbours and a large group of good mates. R.I.P.”
‘HUGELY MISSED’
Blakestown Community School in Clonsilla, where Cillian had been in his Junior Cert year, shared their “sincere sympathies” with the family.
The post read: “It is with great sadness that we are sharing the news of the untimely passing of one of our 3rd-year students, Cillian Flaherty.
“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.”
