Tributes paid to Dublin boy, 15, who died months after filming RTE’s Ireland’s Fittest Family

Tributes have been paid to Cillian Flaherty who sadly died months after taking part in Ireland’s Fittest Family.

The 15-year-old boy from County Dublin filmed the show earlier this summer and was due to appear on the programme alongside his family.

RTE confirmed that the competition show, which was due to begin airing this weekend, has been postponed following the news of his passing.

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In a statement, they said: “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.

“RTE and Kite/Animo productions wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and friends at this time.

“Further details regarding the broadcast of the series will be provided in due course.”

Cillian was a third-year student at Blakestown Community School in Blanchardstown at the time of his passing.

The school paid tribute to him and described him as a very popular person who “will be hugely missed”.

“It is with great sadness that we are sharing the news of the untimely passing of one of our third-year students, Cillian Flaherty,” the school wrote.

“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.”

Cillian was also a member of the under-16 team at the Mountview Boys and Girls Football Club.

They also penned a heartfelt tribute to him, saying: “The thoughts of all the footballing community are with ­Cillian’s family, friends and all at MBG FC at this time.”

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