Family of tragic RTE Ireland's Fittest Family teen give blessing to show scenes in new series

The family of Cillian Flaherty have given their blessing for RTE to air their involvement in the latest series of Ireland's Fittest Family despite their son dying after taking part last year.

Cillian Flaherty (15) died just weeks after the show wrapped last October with tributes paid to the popular youngster in Whitestown near Blanchardstown in Dublin and further afield.

The original release date of the series was shelved by RTE after the tragic news but now a new air date has been confirmed after Cillian's family gave their blessing for their scenes to be included.

The show returns to our screens on Saturday evening, January 4, at 6.35pm. The Flahertys will not feature in the first episode but their involvement, and that of Cillian, will be aired in the future episodes.

In a statement, RTE confirmed: "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."

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The family had said previously that they would watch the show whenever it ever despite the prospect of being "heartbroken" reliving the episodes.

Cillian's brother Kian led tributes as he spoke at his funeral mass last October where people were requested to wear bright colours, particularly sky blue, to honour his memory. His funeral took place at the Church of St. Philip the Apostle in Mountview, Dublin, with burial at Mulhuddart Cemetery on October 26, 2024.

Cillian's brother Kian said he and his little brother were "best of friends" and that he loved him "more than anything in the world."

“I spent the best 15 years of my life with you. They were the best 15 years I could have asked for," Kian added.

"We are going to need all the strength in the world to get through this, but no doubt you will be beaming down with pride, every day of the week.

"I love you, kid. Rest in paradise and look after us all. It’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you later.”

Speaking about RTE and the family's involvement on the hit show Ireland's Fittest Family which was due to air last October, Kian said Cillian was "so looking forward to watching it."

He added: "Fair play to them all for pulling the plug on it, they respect us. They all came out to us in the last couple of days.

"It could come out next week or in six months and we are still going to watch it the same way, we are going to be heartbroken," he said.

Blakestown Community School, where Cillian was described as a “very popular” member of the school community, also paid tribute at the time.

“It is with great sadness that we are sharing the news of the untimely passing of one of our third-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.

“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.”

Tributes also came from the footballing community in Dublin, where Cillian was a member of the under-16 team at Mountview Boys and Girls Football Club (MBG FC). The Dublin and District Schoolboys’/Girls’ League said: “The thoughts of all the footballing community are with Cillian’s family, friends, and all at MBG FC at this time.”