Tributes paid following death of 15-year-old who competed on RTÉ's Ireland’s Fittest Family

Tributes are being paid to a teenager who passed away months after taking part in RTÉ’s Ireland’s Fittest Family. 

Cillian Flaherty, a third-year student at Blakestown Community School in Blanchardstown, had competed on the popular show over the summer with his family, but the upcoming season, originally scheduled to air on October 27, has now been postponed following his death.

RTÉ confirmed the postponement in a statement: “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. 

“RTÉ 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.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Blakestown Community School said Cillian was a “very popular” member of the school community. 

“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.”

Cillian was also a keen footballer and was a member of the under-16 team at Mountview Boys and Girls Football Club in Dublin 15. The Dublin and District Schoolboys’/Girls’ League stated: “The thoughts of all the footballing community are with Cillian’s family, friends, and all at MBG FC at this time.”

No details regarding his funeral arrangements have yet been announced.