TV: Donncha takes Cork clan under his wing

The Linehan family from Cork is taking part in Ireland’s Fittest Family on RTÉ1 on Sunday at 6.35pm.

Now in its 13th season, the series has become a firm family favourite, according to Alan Tyler, RTÉ Group Head of Entertainment and Music.

This year’s series sees show veterans Davy Fitzgerald, Anna Geary and Donncha O’Callaghan face-to-face with some newcomers with a serious sporting pedigree. Champion swimmer Ellen Keane joined this year, as has winner of 8 All-Ireland medals Michael Darragh MacAuley, and Irish rugby legend, Andrew Trimble. The bid for glory coaching the fittest Irish family will now be a six-way battle.

The first episode of the series aired last Sunday, presented by Laura Fox, and featured the Walshs from Cork. 

The family escaped elimination by a one-second margin in the first episode and viewers will have to wait to see how they get in future shows.

The Linehan family, taking part in episode two on Sunday, will have in their corner a true Rebel sporting legend to cheer them every step of the way – as rugby great Donncha O’Callaghan is their mentor.

Standing in their way will be the Hockey family from Dublin, also mentored by Donncha, and the McKennas from Monaghan and the Hillard clan from Kildare, who are both mentored by the new coach, another Irish rugby legend, Andrew Trimble.

Who will go through to the next stage? 

Next week will see the final week of the heats aired.