Community in Grief After Tragic Loss of Ireland’s Fittest Family Teen Contestant

Ireland’s Fittest Family; Cillian Flaherty

The untimely death of a 15-year-old Cillian Flaherty who hailed from Dublin has left the whole society in deep sorrow. Cillian, at the age of fifteen, gave up the ghost on Monday leaving his family, friends and even a school that loved him. His death came as a shock, especially to those who knew him, and his school, football club, and even the crew of Ireland’s Fittest Family who he recently worked with have been giving condolences.

Cillian was loved by every student in Blakestown Community School that he was in his third year. His untimely demise has triggered a wave of sadness and condolences from all quarters of the society that finds it hard to come to terms with this loss of such a lively and loved young boy.

Irelands-fittest-family-confirms-return

“Ireland’s Fittest Family” is returning to screens this weekend after a pause following the tragic death of young contestant Cillian Flaherty. Fans have been left wondering about Cillian Flaherty, what happened in the days leading up to his passing. The Ireland’s Fittest Family death of the 15-year-old from Blanchardstown occurred on October 20 last year, and while the Cillian Flaherty cause of death has not been fully disclosed, it deeply affected both the Ireland’s Fittest Family’s cast and viewers.

Now, the popular series is set to air at 6:35 p.m. on Saturdays, with coaches Davy Fitzgerald, Anna Geary, Donncha O’Callaghan, and Sonia O’Sullivan returning for the 12th season.

Who was Cillian Flaherty?

Cillian Flaherty was not only a participant in Ireland’s Fittest Family, but also had vibrant and engaged interactions with his school and local soccer team. Together with his family members, he took part in season 12 of the RTE media competition last summer where he displayed not only formidable skills but also the love and bonding of the family. He left an impression on everyone who met him with his passion and friendliness.

Ireland's fittest family
Ireland’s Fittest Family; credits: Sunday World

As a 3rd year student at Blakestown Community School, Cillian was friendly and bubbly in character. His classmates and teachers tend to remember him as always smiling and ready to lend a helping hand which made them like and respect him. The community of Blanchardstown, his classmates, and his family are however now left in shock and are struggling to come to terms with the sad and sudden demise.

Ireland’s Fittest Family death of young Boy and it’s impact

There has been an outpouring of sadness and commemorations on account of Cillian’s untimely death. Tributes came from Blakestown Community School, stating he was a “quite admired” student. The school conveyed their sorrow in the following statement:

“It is regrettable to announce that Cillian Flaherty, who was in 3rd year in school, has passed away.” 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.”

In this trying period, the institution has made provisions for its students, extending counselling services and giving recommendations to parents on how best to help their kids cope with the loss. Even though the community is in grief, it stands as a unit making sure that none of its members suffers from this loss individually.

Delayed Broadcast of Ireland’s Fittest Family

The tragedy has also been shared with many audiences because of Cillian’s participation in this competition. The first episode of the Ireland’s Fittest Family was due to be aired on RTÉ One on Sunday 27 October; however, following the news on Cillian’s death, this has been put on hold. In a statement, RTÉ and the Ireland’s Fittest Family’s production company, Kite/Animo, expressed their condolences:

“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. “As a company, RTÉ and Kite/Animo would like to express their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the bereaved at this juncture.”

Viewers of the Ireland’s Fittest Family will have to anticipate a new air date, although many are expressing their understanding and support of the decision acknowledging the utmost regard for Cillian and his family in this most trying of times.

The Community’s Grief

Grief in Cillian’s community is not limited to his school only. Cillian had also played for MBG FC U16 team when he was part of Verona FC who also honoured their unforgettable player. The following was posted on the football club’s website expressing their sentiments on his sudden demise:

“Verona FC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Cillian Flaherty who was associated with the MBG FC U16 team. Our thoughts are with Cillian’s parents, other relatives, his friends, and all at MBG FC at this moment.”

The encouragement from both the educational institution and the sporting institution indicates how much cherished relationships Cillian enjoyed with the people around him. The state of affairs brought by his death is not only aberration to his family but also to the larger society in Dublin where people have come out to assist those left behind while reminiscing about the little boy with warmth.

Funeral Arrangements

The funeral mass for Cillian will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2020, at the Church of St. Philip the Apostle, Mountview, at 11 a.m. This will be followed by his interment in Mulhuddart Cemetery. The service will enable the family and their loved ones, and indeed, the entire community to come together for Cillian.

Conclusion

The passing of Cillian Flaherty has taken a toll on everyone who knew him personally. His qualities as a respectful, diligent, and well-loved youth will be remembered dearly by his family, friends, and even the society. While the tributes keep pouring in, one thing is becoming evident, Cillian will be remembered by each and every person who had a chance to interact with him. Cillian’s death comes as a shock and an important lesson on how valuable life is and how much one person can influence the existence of others.

FAQs

He was a young 15-year-old from Blakestown Community School and also a contestant on the popular reality show Ireland’s Fittest Family. Warm, lively, and infectious by all counts, Cillian made a spectacular imprint on his school and his football team.

Cillian died tragically on 20 October 2020 at the age of 15. His untimely demise took all by surprise and even shocked his immediate community, school, and cast members of the show. Death cause not yet fully disclosed.

The premiere of the show was delayed following Cillian’s passing. RTÉ and the production team expressed their condolences and postponed the broadcast as a mark of respect.

Tributes have poured in from Blakestown Community School and Verona FC, where Cillian was remembered fondly. The community of Blanchardstown has shown great support for his family.

Cillian’s funeral mass took place on October 26, 2020, at the Church of St. Philip the Apostle, Mountview, followed by his interment at Mulhuddart Cemetery.

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