Tipperary’s Meagher’s bid for Fittest Family title ends

Killenaule’s Meagher family’s bid for Ireland’s Fittest Family 2017 has come to a devastating end after a gruelling eliminator challenge at the Hell and Back course in Kilruddery, Co. Wicklow.

The Killenaule family, mentored by Anna Geary, were hit with a major setback after the first team challenge when UCC student Liam Jnr (19) had to be taken to hospital after feeling unwell.

The remaining family members Liam Snr (54), Joe (25) and Ailshe (23) put in an impressive performance in the next time trialled challenge however they were just short of the mark and had to compete in the final eliminator of the day against the O’Connor’s from Wexford.

Despite the Meagher’s being neck in neck with the O’Connor’s throughout the challenge they were narrowly pipped to the post at the final hurdle.

“It was very tough. It stretched me to my limits,” said an exhausted Liam Snr while son Joe said although the family were “devastated” to be out of the competition they were glad of the experience which “brought them closer as a family.”