Last night’s edition of Ireland’s Fittest Family, which included the family of participant Cillian Flaherty, 15, who unfortunately died before the show aired, touched viewers to the core. On October 21, 2024, the Dublin adolescent passed away unexpectedly at home, reports The Mirror.
RTE released a poignant statement before to the airing, stating: “The Flaherty family have watched the series and given their full support for it to go ahead.”
On social media, the broadcaster also honoured Cillian, posting: “Remembering Cillian Flaherty.” His power, tenacity, and passion were evident on Ireland’s Fittest Family. We are thinking of his loved ones when his family’s episode airs this evening, reports The Mirror.
Many of the show’s viewers expressed their appreciation and sympathy for the Flaherty family on social media. “Imagining Cillian’s family watching tonight’s episode of Fittest Family, it’s heartbreaking for you all and so difficult to believe that he is no longer with you all,” one fan said. It’s simply so terrible; he was a good young man who had his entire life to live. Rest in Peace Cillian.”
Another shared a personal connection, writing: “So proud of my pal Cillian. Absolutely smashed it. You were so excited for this my bro, and to say u done amazing is an understatement, keep shining from wherever it is you are,” reports The Mirror.
A third comment read: “Words cannot express how heartbroken I, as a stranger, feel for you all at this most difficult time. May your love for each other and Cillian give you strength. Thinking of you all,” reports The Mirror.
Someone else posted: “Very emotional watching the show tonight knowing that Cillian had passed away. Cillian, you showed the nation what a super talented individual you were (super fast!)and the beautiful relationship you held with your family. I’m sure your family & friends are broken far beyond words can repair but I send them all my deepest sympathies,” reports The Mirror.
Others commended the family’s bravery in allowing the episode to air, with one writing: “That was so sad to watch tonight what a brave family to let that show go ahead what great memories for them n how Cillian was great in all the challenges as were they all, taken way to soon, God Bless his Family n Sleep well with the Angels Cillian,” reports The Mirror.
The Flaherty family was supposed to appear in the upcoming series, which typically premieres around Christmas, however RTE postponed the episodes’ broadcast in observance of Cillian’s memory and his bereaved family.
Before the devastating news broke, all the required filming and editing had been finished, and the episodes had been shot on Wicklow’s Killruddery Estate throughout the summer, reports The Mirror.
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