A Dublin teenager who died this week and had been due to appear as a contestant on RTÉ's Ireland’s Fittest Family TV series has been remembered as a “hugely popular” member of his secondary school.
Cillian Flaherty (15) was a third-year student at Blakestown Communty School in west Dublin.
In a statement, the school said the boy’s death had come as a huge shock to the entire school community.
“Our sincere sympathies are with Cillian’s family and friends at this time,” the school said. “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.”
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The school said it was supporting students at the school who were affected by the tragic event.
The 15-year-old was also a keen footballer and a member of local club Mountview Boys and Girls Football Club in Dublin 15.
“The thoughts of all the footballing community are with Cillian’s family, friends and all at MBG FC at this time,” the club said.
His funeral will be held on Saturday.
RTÉ has postponed the start of the new series of Ireland’s Fittest Family following his death.
The programme, which was recorded some months ago, was due to be broadcast this Sunday evening.
The popular series was all pre-recorded and is presented by Laura Fox. The judges are Donncha O’Callaghan, Davy Fitzgerald, Anna Geary and former Olympic silver medallist Sonia O’Sullivan.
In a statement, RTÉ said the decision to postpone followed the death of a person who had taken part in the series subsequent to the completion of filming.
“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,” the broadcaster said.
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