Ireland's Fittest Family officially crowned after an intense season finale

After eight weeks of intense and challenging competition, The Cummins family from Kilkenny have officially taken the title of 'Ireland's Fittest Family'.

The family had to fight off stiff opposition from the Ferns, O'Connell and Magner families against the backdrop of Dublin Port in the nail-biting finale. 

Paul, Zac, Bryce and Hallie each took on the gruelling challenges throughout the RTE series, and it is no doubt their love of sports helped the family excel in the competition. 

The patriarch of the family, Paul, runs a storm, ice and inline club in the family's locality, along with this, he is also a national ice hockey coach. 

Following in their father's footsteps, Zac and Bryce also both play ice hockey, and are prominent members of the Irish ice hockey team, however, Hallie, the youngest in the family, is truly gifted as she landed a spot on the senior national ladies' team at just five-years-old.

The incredible family will now walk away with their prize of €15,000, and most importantly, with the coveted title of being Ireland's Fittest Family. 

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The tv show, which has just concluded its 12th season, was originally scheduled to be aired in November but was postponed following the death of a contestant. Instead, it aired in January after much deliberation. 

15-year-old Cillian Flaherty sadly and suddenly passed away on October 21, 2024, just weeks before his and his family's debut on the programme.

He filmed the show over the summer and was remembered by his school Blakestown Community School in Blanchardstown as a popular student who will be ‘hugely missed’.

Speaking about RTE and the family’s involvement shortly after Cillian's death, his brother Kian said, “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.

“We are all devastated and heartbroken to hear this unbelievably sad news, me and my family’s thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, may he rest in peace,” Paul Cummins posted to social media following the news.