TV: Cork family in frame for fitness title

A family from Cork will be flying the flag for the Rebel County when hit show Ireland’s Fittest Family returns for a new series this weekend - and they certainly have the pedigree to win.

The McCourt family will be getting a helping hand from a Cork mentor in the first episode of the 14th series in RTÉ1 on Sunday at 6.30pm. They will have camogie legend Anna Geary in their corner.

Dad Morgan, 57, is a Dublin native who has lived in Cork for 19 years. He does triathlons, surfing, kite surfing and has represented Ireland in University rugby as a medical student. He is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon in CUH.

Daughter Lauren represented Ireland many times as a juvenile athlete, trains six days a week, and still competes. She is currently a second-year medical student in UL.

Son Callum plays hockey and has been on an Irish U18 panel. He is studying electrical engineering in Dublin, and recently volunteered at a sports camp in Toronto, Canada. Son Harry is in fifth year at school and also plays hockey - he made his debut for the Irish U18 team this year.

In the episode, Geary also mentors the Tierney family of Galway, against families coached by reigning Ireland’s Fittest Family champion Andrew Trimble - the Ó Cathasaughs of Dublin, and the McGilligans from Derry.

Another rugby legend, Cork’s Donncha O’Callaghan is also back as a mentor, alongside GAA manager Davy Fitzgerald, paralympic great Ellen Keane, and GAA star Michael Darragh MacAuley.

For this year’s series, everything has been turned up a notch.

The heats will unfold in the breathtaking setting of Haulbowline Navy Base in Cork, putting families through elite-level trials, ahead of the quarter-final stage, held in the familiar but terrifying bogs of Hell and Back in Co Wicklow

The semi-finals take place in Drogheda Port, with the grand final returning to the majestic setting of Avondale House and its breathtaking Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower,

Host Laura Fox returns to oversee the chaos, camaraderie and competition as families from all over Ireland battle it out for the coveted title of Ireland’s Fittest Family – and the €15,000 prize.