- 15 hours ago
Ireland's Fittest Family - Season 13 Episode 7
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00:00:00Welcome to Ireland's Fittest Family 2025 semi-final.
00:00:05Tonight, we're dipping our toes in Droghia Port for the very first time.
00:00:10The tide is high, the pressure is rising,
00:00:13and I hope our families have packed their togs and their goggles
00:00:16because if they want to make it to the final,
00:00:18nobody is staying dry tonight, except for me.
00:00:22I am staying dry, right?
00:00:24We're not saying...
00:00:24You promised you weren't going to drop me in here again.
00:00:27Please!
00:00:28No!
00:00:30It's been a very long and very winding road
00:00:42for our families and coaches in this year's competition.
00:00:45Right, on the outside.
00:00:47With trucks, trenches, and total chaos.
00:00:50Then we hit the bog and things got messy.
00:00:54Come on, Peggy, come on!
00:00:55With the grown-ups leading the charge...
00:00:57Come on, Owen, come on, Blah!
00:00:58The kids did pretty okay, too.
00:01:00Last bit, last bit.
00:01:02Last week, we lost our newbie coach, Ellen Keane.
00:01:05I'm going home.
00:01:06Come on, push her up!
00:01:07Davey still has two families left in the game,
00:01:10and the other coaches are sweating.
00:01:12We're not losing the lead!
00:01:14Six families ready to compete, and one semi-final.
00:01:18Next week, our four remaining families are off to the head-spinning, scream-inducing heights of Avondale Forest Park for our grand final.
00:01:28But tonight, it's high drama on the high waters.
00:01:31Which family will hold on tight enough to get through and get the chance to win the title of Ireland's fittest family, 2025?
00:01:38Tonight, in our semi-final, six families will become four.
00:01:47There will be two heats.
00:01:49Heat one is a total OG coach affair with Anna and the cars versus Davey and the Smiths versus Dunica and the Linehans.
00:01:58Heat two will pitch Davey and his second family, the McDonaghs, against Michael Dara and the Walshes, against Andrew and the McKennas.
00:02:06Our semi-final will have two events in each heat.
00:02:12Event one will be a three-way boat race, Battle of the Boyne.
00:02:16Event two will see the return of our infamous Hang Tuff time trial.
00:02:21In each event, it's three points for first place, two points for second, and one point for third.
00:02:26The points are then added together and the top family will go straight through to our grand final.
00:02:31The bottom two families will have to face off in the Eliminator to see who gets a place in our final.
00:02:36Two heats means two Eliminators.
00:02:39This is going to be epic.
00:02:41We're diving straight into semi-final action and we're better than the legendary River Boyne.
00:02:47We're going head to head, paddle to paddle.
00:02:49Let's find out who'll stay afloat in Battle of the Boyne.
00:02:53Thank you, Laura.
00:02:56The Battle of the Boyne is a three-way race, starting from the Hugh de Lacey Bridge,
00:03:01passing under the Boyne Viaduct to the finish line, one kilometre down Drogheda's mighty Boyne River.
00:03:07Each family is in a boat and with the help of a cox, they must sink their strokes to power downriver as fast as they can.
00:03:14The first family down the river wins the race and those vital three points.
00:03:18This is the time of the competition that I relish.
00:03:27The bigger the event, the bigger the prize, the bigger the fall, and you can just almost see the final.
00:03:33But we have to start well this morning.
00:03:35I don't like these ones where you don't really have control over things.
00:03:38You hit a bit of a wave, you make a bad stroke, and it really can cost you.
00:03:43I've done a lot of water sports and swimming and surfing, but I don't know how much that will help with the rowing.
00:03:47It's in our hometown, so we have to go out all guns blazing on this one.
00:03:51Hopefully we'll get the wind behind us.
00:03:54I think anything can happen.
00:03:55You just never know, and I'm the eternal optimist, so we're just going to tear into it, see what happens.
00:04:00Don't know can we, our backs are literally against the wall.
00:04:02We have to come out fighting, or come out rowing, in this case.
00:04:07Hey! Go on, Laura!
00:04:09It's the OG coaches!
00:04:10Yes!
00:04:11How does it feel to be back together again?
00:04:12We're back together, and we're still talking for now.
00:04:14It's amazing, for now it's very important there.
00:04:17How are we feeling about this one again?
00:04:19Let's be completely honest, three of us are blagging this one.
00:04:22Well, I mean, you blag a lot.
00:04:23Yeah, well, I do, but it's rare they do it.
00:04:25You do all of the time.
00:04:26Yeah.
00:04:27So, hang on, one family, one family, two families, JB.
00:04:31Of course, of course.
00:04:32How are you feeling?
00:04:34Listen, it's great, but you don't know what's going to happen here.
00:04:38Like, once I can beat these two, I'll be happy enough, you know?
00:04:41That's so true.
00:04:42I am going to leave, because I'm actually quite nice and dry.
00:04:47Get in your boat.
00:04:48See you later.
00:04:48Best of luck.
00:04:49Don't worry about it.
00:04:49We'll just stand out in the elements.
00:04:50It's Grand Laura.
00:04:50Ready to go in the Battle of the Boyne.
00:04:54The cars wearing black.
00:04:55Elizabeth, Simon, Gareth, and Tom.
00:04:58Wearing purple.
00:04:59The Smiths.
00:05:00Adam, Sean, Mark, and Mum, Cathy.
00:05:03And in yellow, it's the Linehans.
00:05:04Diarmut, Sean, Rory, and Ava.
00:05:07Three, two, one.
00:05:09Paula Donovan gets the first event of the semifinal underway.
00:05:12A brand new event.
00:05:13The Battle of the Boyne.
00:05:15Five, let's use the leg.
00:05:16We're in Drogheda.
00:05:17And that is a spectacular start and a spectacular sight right at the beginning of this race.
00:05:22So, the Smiths are in the middle in purple.
00:05:27That's Cathy at the front of the boat.
00:05:31There's the cars.
00:05:33So, they've got to go 1,000 metres.
00:05:35And this is, as we know from the O'Donovans and all the Irish rowing heroes,
00:05:40this is so physically demanding.
00:05:42The lead at the moment for the cars closest to us.
00:05:44There you have it.
00:05:45Well done.
00:05:46Well done, Simon.
00:05:48Our coaches safely on board their boat.
00:05:51And they get a ringside seat, so to speak, for this.
00:05:56So, it's all about rhythm and tempo.
00:05:58So, the role of the coxes in each boat, hugely important.
00:06:02They will help as much as they can.
00:06:05So, the cars still leading.
00:06:07The Smiths in second.
00:06:08And the Linehans are in third.
00:06:11This is a brilliant race.
00:06:12It certainly is.
00:06:14And everything's starting to burn.
00:06:15The cars have a big lead, don't they, from the Smiths.
00:06:18But we're about halfway through.
00:06:22That's the Boyne Viaduct coming into sight.
00:06:26They will go under that.
00:06:27And the finish line is beyond.
00:06:29So, that's still a good rhythm for the car family.
00:06:34And it is a good, healthy lead for them, isn't it?
00:06:38And they can see exactly to their left what's happening with the Smiths in second.
00:06:41And now on board with the Linehans, who are in third.
00:06:43So, this is where it gets difficult.
00:06:48And the Smiths have kind of gone out of their rhythm.
00:06:51They had a lovely tempo.
00:06:51You can see them all moving in different ways.
00:06:55That beautiful rhythm that was there earlier on is gone.
00:06:58And that could open the door for the Linehans on the right to try and overtake the cars.
00:07:02Brilliant tempo.
00:07:04And they are holding on to that lead.
00:07:06And now the Linehans, it looks like they've gone in front.
00:07:08They have gone in front.
00:07:09And Doneco Callaghan will be delighted with this.
00:07:12So, the Smiths now in third.
00:07:14It's a big battle between these two.
00:07:16It looks like it's the cars race to win or to lose.
00:07:22So, the Smiths have kind of got back into a bit of a better rhythm now.
00:07:27But that looks very impressive from the car family.
00:07:30Anna will be delighted.
00:07:32But we're not done yet.
00:07:33And it really is neck and neck between the Smiths on the left and the Linehans on the right.
00:07:37Second place is still up for grabs.
00:07:38And we all know that those points are so precious.
00:07:41Come on, loves!
00:07:44Laura is in a great place to watch this race.
00:07:47You can see and hear what the cocks are doing.
00:07:50And now there's been a problem.
00:07:51There's a problem.
00:07:51The oars come out of the water.
00:07:53Yeah, there is an issue for Adam Smith at the front of the boat.
00:07:55And now look at the boat starting to turn.
00:07:58And this is really bad for the Smith family.
00:08:00They're on home turf, home water in Drogheda.
00:08:02But they've got to try and get this thing back on course.
00:08:05And that is easier said than done.
00:08:08And Davey is not impressed at all.
00:08:10This is going wrong for them.
00:08:12And the Linehans very much in second place now.
00:08:15But the Smiths have got it pointed the right way.
00:08:17Well done.
00:08:17But the cars now have passed the orange marker.
00:08:20And they've won three points for them.
00:08:22That was impressive.
00:08:22They led really from the start.
00:08:24The Linehans are going to take second place.
00:08:27Overtaking the Smiths after their mistake with the oar coming out of the water.
00:08:31It's two points for the Linehan family for Donegal Callaghan.
00:08:34And the Smiths, well, they'll finish it out for their one point.
00:08:38Could yet be very important.
00:08:39But that's disappointing for them.
00:08:40But credit to the Smiths family for getting the boat back on course
00:08:43and pointed in the right direction.
00:08:45It could have gone really wrong for them.
00:08:46But they finish it out and they are third.
00:08:48It went wrong just near towards the end there.
00:08:51Adam lost his oar.
00:08:52But that's okay.
00:08:53It's not a big deal.
00:08:55We'll just take it and move on.
00:08:56What happened?
00:08:58We were doing so well at the start.
00:08:59And then we all just panicked.
00:09:01Well, I panicked, especially myself.
00:09:03I don't know if the rest of the family did.
00:09:04We tried not to stop.
00:09:05But there was nothing really I could have done.
00:09:06I tried to pull it out.
00:09:07And then I had to get Sean to help me pull it out.
00:09:09I had to know I was misfortunate more than anything else.
00:09:11So it's all about surviving and getting through to the next day.
00:09:14And that's all we'll be trying to do.
00:09:15Adam, there was nothing you could do, all right?
00:09:17You really tried your best.
00:09:19Well done, lads.
00:09:19I'll chat to you soon.
00:09:21Feels like it's the pick on Adam story here, doesn't it?
00:09:24Linnehan's, second place.
00:09:26Congratulations.
00:09:27And where's your coach?
00:09:30I've been in all day.
00:09:31Apologies.
00:09:31Sorry, sorry, sorry.
00:09:32You know you're not on your holiday.
00:09:33I was on a boat with Anna and Davey.
00:09:35It was great fun.
00:09:36I had a great time, lads.
00:09:37So doing as well as you guys did, I'm sure you have to be incredibly proud of that.
00:09:41Yeah, no, we are.
00:09:42It's fair.
00:09:42I think we all tried our best and we all did well.
00:09:44So we're delighted.
00:09:46Congratulations, all right?
00:09:47Best of luck now this afternoon.
00:09:48I'll chat to you then.
00:09:49Anyway, so there I am, right?
00:09:50Davey's on the boat.
00:09:52Oh, you were great.
00:09:53What's going on?
00:09:54That was unbelievable.
00:09:56I love how calm, cool and collected you are.
00:09:58You're like, yeah, no, but we've been here before.
00:10:00So, you know, hold it together.
00:10:01How are you feeling?
00:10:02Yeah, we're feeling good.
00:10:03Delighted.
00:10:04Yeah, it couldn't have gone any better.
00:10:06It went really well.
00:10:07We couldn't have.
00:10:08We won handy enough.
00:10:10It was a phenomenal performance.
00:10:11You have been here before.
00:10:13So how are you feeling right now?
00:10:14Well, I think we're a bit calmer this time than we were in the previous round.
00:10:19Top points now, but we've been in the exact same position in the quarterfinals.
00:10:23We took top points in the first race and then everything fell apart for the second one.
00:10:26So now it's about, okay, job done, round one.
00:10:29Let's move on now.
00:10:33Now it's time for the scoreboard.
00:10:35After our first event, Anna's cars are top of the table with three points.
00:10:41Dunnock has Linehan's of two points.
00:10:43And Davey Smith's are in last place with just one point.
00:10:47But it's all to hang for.
00:10:48Normally, being told you're too clingy is a bad thing.
00:10:56But in Hang Tough, it's the only way to win.
00:10:59It's time to watch our families desperately cling on to their chance to make it to the finals.
00:11:06Hang Tough is a test of willpower and endurance.
00:11:10The clock starts when everybody's feet leave the ground.
00:11:12All family members must hang over six metres or 20 feet above the freezing water for as long as they possibly can.
00:11:20Remember, this isn't about being the last person up there.
00:11:23The times of the four families will be combined.
00:11:25So every second counts.
00:11:31First up are the Linehans.
00:11:32Now they came second in Battle of the Boyne.
00:11:34So they'll need to come first in this if they want to avoid the Eliminator.
00:11:38If any of the other coaches can manage to bluff, hang tough, best of luck to them.
00:11:44It's a complete unknown.
00:11:45Like the coaching point, grab the bar, hold on to it for as long as possible.
00:11:49And that's it really, isn't it?
00:11:51Look, I'm not going to be shouting and roaring at you.
00:11:53But the big thing for us, we have to keep the four of us up there for as long as possible.
00:11:58So claw in.
00:11:59Again, I'm the fall guy.
00:12:01I'm the weak link here.
00:12:02The lads have been training in fair play to them.
00:12:05Have you guys been practicing this one?
00:12:06Yeah, I'm doing a bit of practice at home, really.
00:12:08Finding anything to hang off and doing our best to get our times up.
00:12:11We have a hang tough bar at home, so we've all been using it.
00:12:14I can't lie, I haven't been training too much, but I was kind of hoping this wouldn't come up.
00:12:17Don't care.
00:12:18We win this, we're avoiding an Eliminator.
00:12:20Yeah, honestly, Laura, there is a great incentive.
00:12:23I'm hoping for the Lennons to do something special here.
00:12:25We could do with keeping the bit of good luck going, and hopefully we get it here.
00:12:29For the Lennons, from left to right, it's Sean, Rory, Ava, and Dermott.
00:12:35In the zone now.
00:12:37Family, take your grip.
00:12:40So here we go.
00:12:41I absolutely love this event.
00:12:43I'd be really bad at it, but I love it.
00:12:44Here we go.
00:12:45Raise the crane.
00:12:46So, this is always the odd bit for the families.
00:12:52They can hear the crane, the engine starting up, and then they're lifted out over the water.
00:12:59And the crane will come to a stop when they are six metres above the river Boyne.
00:13:06That's 20 feet.
00:13:07So there is Ava, and that's Sean with his brother Rory beside him, and Dermott closest to us now.
00:13:14He said he feels he's the weak link.
00:13:16I don't think he will be.
00:13:19The kids have been training for this.
00:13:22Training is all well and good, but to try and replicate these conditions, there's a breeze there.
00:13:28It's very, very tricky.
00:13:31But they look good.
00:13:32It's a good, solid start.
00:13:34Dermott focusing on his breathing.
00:13:38Rory with his legs crossed.
00:13:40And Danica just nice and calm.
00:13:43They're approaching a minute.
00:13:47Remember, the four times will be added together.
00:13:51So there's a minute done.
00:13:52And everybody looks good.
00:13:53Really good.
00:13:54Nobody changing hand position on the bar.
00:13:59This is a good start.
00:14:02Sean and Rory look very steady.
00:14:05So does Dermott now grimace on Ava's face.
00:14:08The pain is starting to kick in.
00:14:12And this really, really hurts.
00:14:14And Ava is gone in a minute and 24.
00:14:17So she's the first to go down.
00:14:19And as we know from past years, that can possibly put some of the other family members off.
00:14:24And Dermott's gone, too, just three seconds later.
00:14:261.27.
00:14:28It's now down to the two lads.
00:14:3016-year-old Rory and 19-year-old Sean.
00:14:35Stay on it, Rory.
00:14:36We need you, Rory.
00:14:36Don't be changing too much.
00:14:38We need you big time.
00:14:40Which ain't a good sign.
00:14:42It's calmed down again, though.
00:14:45And in its own ways, impressive Rory.
00:14:46More movement from him.
00:14:47Stay in, boy.
00:14:48We're on.
00:14:50Stay in there, Rory.
00:14:50So approaching two minutes.
00:14:51And I just wonder how long more Rory has in him.
00:14:55Sean now with the eyes open.
00:14:57Staring down into the water.
00:15:00It's very cold water.
00:15:01And Rory is really battling with this for all he has worked.
00:15:05He's done well to steady it down again.
00:15:08And now some movement from Sean, too.
00:15:10Oh, and Sean's gone.
00:15:11He tried to just take, and he did take his right arm off the bar.
00:15:16And that didn't work at all.
00:15:17Went straight in.
00:15:18It's now down to Rory, the youngest member of the family.
00:15:20We need every second, Rory.
00:15:21And Rory.
00:15:22Oh, and he's gone, too.
00:15:23Two minutes and 22.
00:15:25Add it all together.
00:15:26It's 7.24.
00:15:27We'll find out over the next few minutes just how good that is.
00:15:30It feels good.
00:15:32I'm absolutely delighted.
00:15:34Sean took a big risk.
00:15:35He went big, and it didn't pay off for him.
00:15:37I'm kind of gutted for him, because if it had come off, it would have been worked out,
00:15:40but it didn't.
00:15:41You went to change your grip, and we've seen this happen so often, where you're like,
00:15:44no, I can do it, and then gone.
00:15:46Yeah.
00:15:47I saw one fellow a few years ago do it.
00:15:48I was like, I'll be able to do that, but I couldn't.
00:15:52I prefer not to talk too much about me trying to do one-handed.
00:15:55It'll be a long journey home for him to clock anyway.
00:15:57He'll hear all about it.
00:15:58Do you want to go, how do you think they did?
00:15:59Yeah, I'm delighted.
00:16:01The Lenehans are there every second we bought.
00:16:03Obviously, there's brilliant families, and if they can do better than that, fair play
00:16:06to them.
00:16:07One thing I'll take from the two events today with the Lenehans, we've given them everything.
00:16:11We're moving along nicely.
00:16:12We're confident.
00:16:13If we're in the Eliminator, we'll take it on.
00:16:1660 seconds of hard work is your milestone.
00:16:20Keep with it.
00:16:20Sean, stay there.
00:16:21Another 10 seconds, Sean.
00:16:23Welcome back to Ireland's Fittest Family Semi-Final.
00:16:37Now, before the break, we saw Donegal's Lenehans family lose their grip, eventually, on Hank Tuff.
00:16:43Well done.
00:16:44Lenehans great.
00:16:45But there's still two more to go before we'll find out who's in the first of tonight's Eliminator.
00:16:50So, let's get cracking.
00:16:53Next up in Hank Tuff are Anna's car family.
00:16:57They sailed into first place in Battle of the Boyne, so if they hold on for long enough
00:17:01here, they guarantee themselves a place in the grand final.
00:17:05I'm hoping that they're all used to doing chin-ups and pull-ups, because that's the
00:17:07kind of muscles that they need to engage.
00:17:10And the biggest, most crucial golden rule of Hank Tuff, do not adjust your grip.
00:17:16Take a feel of the bar.
00:17:18Have a think about where the hands are.
00:17:19Think about in relation to your shoulders, where you want those hands to go.
00:17:21Because once they stick, they stick.
00:17:24You do not move at any stage then.
00:17:25How are you feeling about this?
00:17:27I think we're feeling good.
00:17:28It's like that, ready to go through the pain barrier.
00:17:29I think everyone here is going to be in pain in a couple of minutes' time, so it's about
00:17:33how long we can sit in that.
00:17:35Not really feeling confident.
00:17:36We're all kind of big-bodied, so we're carrying a lot of KGs.
00:17:40I want the KGs to go straight to the finals, for me, if nothing else, because I can't handle
00:17:44the stress today.
00:17:47Ready to go for the KGs from left to right.
00:17:49It's Elizabeth, Simon, Gareth and Tom.
00:17:51Family, take your grip.
00:17:58Raise the crane.
00:17:59The KGs were first in Battle of the Boyne.
00:18:03Once the feet leave the ground, the clock starts ticking.
00:18:07Excellent.
00:18:08Well done.
00:18:11So out they go.
00:18:15As you can see, it's a lovely day, Andrade.
00:18:17But there is a breeze there, and they will sway a little bit, which in its own way is off-putting.
00:18:26That's Gareth staring up at that bar.
00:18:29Get your breathing right now.
00:18:31So Anna's big message was, do not adjust your grip.
00:18:3630 seconds done.
00:18:38Elizabeth, deep in concentration.
00:18:40Tom, very aware of where he is.
00:18:43Strap that mind.
00:18:47Excellent.
00:18:52So they all look good.
00:18:54Well done.
00:18:54Heading towards a minute.
00:18:56We're approaching a minute.
00:18:58Okay?
00:18:58The second to take on Hang Tough.
00:19:017.24 was the Linnahons' time.
00:19:03Now.
00:19:04Oh, now some movement from Tom.
00:19:06He's steady down again.
00:19:08But is that a sign that he's struggling?
00:19:09I think it is.
00:19:10And there's more movement from Tom Carr.
00:19:12And its first down is Simon.
00:19:14That's a surprise.
00:19:15Simon went down first.
00:19:16I thought it was going to be Tom.
00:19:19Tom is hanging on for all he's worth at this point.
00:19:22And he goes four seconds later.
00:19:23One minute and 11.
00:19:25It's down to Gareth and Elizabeth.
00:19:29Tom, keep swimming out of the way.
00:19:31So Gareth has looked steady all the way through.
00:19:34In the final.
00:19:35Paula Dunham is just telling Tom Carr to move out of the way.
00:19:37Move out of the way through.
00:19:38Move out from underneath Gareth if he comes down on top of him.
00:19:40Shoulder blade.
00:19:42Elizabeth, the number one ranked triathlete in the country.
00:19:46But this is not a triathlon event.
00:19:48Oh, I wonder here.
00:19:49Gareth.
00:19:50Oh, the grip goes.
00:19:51And he is in in one minute and 37.
00:19:53So it's all down to Elizabeth Carr.
00:19:5730 seconds, Luke.
00:19:58So 7.24 is a long way away.
00:20:00And Elizabeth has gone too.
00:20:01One minute and 42 seconds.
00:20:03A combined total of 5.37.
00:20:06It was probably about as difficult as we expected it to be.
00:20:11We weren't that confident coming into a hang tough.
00:20:14Just all of our strengths don't really lie with grip strengths.
00:20:17How are you feeling?
00:20:18Uh, not good.
00:20:19Yeah.
00:20:19To be honest, it didn't really go according to plan.
00:20:21Kind of got tough a lot earlier than I was expecting.
00:20:24The one thing you can practice is when they lift you off.
00:20:26The first 20, 30 seconds, you're not really sure what to do.
00:20:29Once you're up there, it's kind of just trying to take your mind out of it.
00:20:31I was kind of expecting a little bit of a lull where I could just kind of settle into it.
00:20:35But I was feeling it from the start.
00:20:38It's over.
00:20:38And if we're in an eliminator, that's when we need to get focused on.
00:20:41Because we're still in with a chance of making the final.
00:20:44Just I know it's not what they wanted.
00:20:45If we're in the eliminator, we'll deal with it.
00:20:47We've been there before.
00:20:48I know the cars have what it takes to be in the final.
00:20:50Now we just need to fight for it.
00:20:53Last up in our first semi-final heat tonight is Davey and the Smith family.
00:20:58There's a lot riding on this as they came last in the race earlier.
00:21:02And they need a good time in this event.
00:21:03Tell me, how are you feeling?
00:21:05Nervous.
00:21:06Do you?
00:21:06Yeah, I do feel nervous.
00:21:07But I'll just do my best.
00:21:10It's all I can do.
00:21:11You really need to win this.
00:21:13So, like, we've got to set time in our heads of what we're doing.
00:21:16Are we going to tell me any of this kind of stuff?
00:21:18Well, Davey's giving us the time, yeah.
00:21:20But I think that stays among the five of us.
00:21:21Okay, fair enough.
00:21:22I'm not in the click.
00:21:23I need the boys to hang on probably a minute and a half to two and a half in that bracket someplace.
00:21:28Anything can happen.
00:21:29So, we're just going to take this event for what it is and we'll be the best we can be.
00:21:33And you'll never know.
00:21:38Lining up for the Smith family again from left to right.
00:21:40Cathy, Adam, Mark and Sean.
00:21:42Remember, talk to me.
00:21:43If you're under pressure or a bit out, just talk to me and we'll get you there.
00:21:45So, you can hear the instructions in the background from Davey Fitz.
00:21:50The Smith family.
00:21:51It just took them about five minutes to get here today.
00:21:54They're from Drogheda.
00:21:56On home ground.
00:21:58But they were last in the Battle of the Boyne and they need a big time here.
00:22:037.24, still the longest time.
00:22:06That's it.
00:22:06Nice to relax.
00:22:07Well done.
00:22:08In hang tough.
00:22:09Well done, guys.
00:22:10By the Linehan family.
00:22:11They were first to take it on.
00:22:13Well done.
00:22:13And the Smiths are now out over the water.
00:22:17The Crane will come to a stop.
00:22:22And then it's down to these four.
00:22:24That's it.
00:22:25Well done.
00:22:25Well done, Cathy.
00:22:26Well done, Adam.
00:22:27Well done, guys.
00:22:27Well done.
00:22:27So, Cathy on the left.
00:22:29Half a minute done.
00:22:31Just now.
00:22:33Well done.
00:22:34Just stay in there.
00:22:35Good stuff.
00:22:35Good stuff.
00:22:35So, Sean.
00:22:37And there's Cathy again.
00:22:38Just stay in there.
00:22:38Good stuff.
00:22:39Good stuff.
00:22:40You can see that the wind rickling on the shirts.
00:22:43There is a...
00:22:43A breeze there.
00:22:44Adam, we'll just get another 30-40 seconds.
00:22:47But good lad.
00:22:47That'll do you, Grant.
00:22:48And Davey focusing on Adam now.
00:22:49Well done.
00:22:50As they approach a minute.
00:22:52Well done.
00:22:53Cathy deep in concentration.
00:22:55And Sean just...
00:22:56Well done.
00:22:57Well done.
00:22:57He seems to be in bother already.
00:22:59That is a surprise.
00:23:00That's actually really good now.
00:23:00Just stay in there.
00:23:01Stay in with him.
00:23:02So, they've all done a minute.
00:23:03Well done.
00:23:04So far, so good for the Smiths.
00:23:06Just stay in there, Cathy.
00:23:07Well done.
00:23:07Cathy, just need another 10 seconds.
00:23:0910 and you're done.
00:23:10Cathy seems to be struggling now.
00:23:11And she's gone into the water.
00:23:13One minute and nine seconds.
00:23:15It puts the pressure on Adam, Mark and Sean.
00:23:1620 more seconds now.
00:23:18Davey focusing very much on Adam.
00:23:20And I think he's in trouble.
00:23:21He is in bother.
00:23:22And Adam drops in one minute and 20 seconds.
00:23:27Just two to go.
00:23:28Now movement from Mark up there.
00:23:31Sean beside him.
00:23:32Sean is really fighting with this.
00:23:35Doing all he can.
00:23:37Mark's only 15 years of age.
00:23:39This has been some experience for him.
00:23:40But now he's gone into the water.
00:23:42One minute and 32.
00:23:43This doesn't look good for the Smith family.
00:23:46Unless Sean can do something really remarkable.
00:23:48And he's trying his very best.
00:23:49He is hanging on there.
00:23:52But he can't hold on any longer.
00:23:54Sean goes in.
00:23:55One minute and 42.
00:23:56It's a combined total of five minutes and 43 seconds.
00:23:59I'm really proud of myself, actually.
00:24:00I lasted longer than I thought I would.
00:24:02It was actually better than expected.
00:24:04You must be so proud of yourself.
00:24:06I'm proud of myself.
00:24:07I really did amazing.
00:24:07Really better than I expected.
00:24:09The most difficult part for me was when your hands start slipping.
00:24:11Your grip strength sort of loosens a little bit.
00:24:14And once you start, that's going.
00:24:15It's gone.
00:24:17Davey, how are we fixed?
00:24:18I think we'll be in the eliminator.
00:24:20But I think we did well there.
00:24:21I think we're facing the eliminator.
00:24:23That's not a bad thing.
00:24:25That's OK.
00:24:25To win for this family, the more of them you do, the better.
00:24:31And here's how the scoreboard stands after the second event.
00:24:34The Linehans came first in Hangtough, bringing them into the lead with five points.
00:24:40The Cars came last, which brings them to four points.
00:24:43And the Smiths came second, which gives them three points.
00:24:47This means that the Linehans go straight through to the final, leaving the Cars and the Smiths to battle it out in the dreaded eliminator.
00:24:54With Heat 1 events over, it's time for me to tell the families the final result.
00:25:05Hi, families.
00:25:06Hi, coaches.
00:25:08Well done.
00:25:09You've done absolutely unbelievable so far today.
00:25:12But it is finally time for me to reveal the family, who will be the first to go through to the final of Ireland's Fittest Family 2025.
00:25:24Congratulations to Dunica and the Linehans.
00:25:27You're going through to the final.
00:25:30I'm absolutely delighted.
00:25:31Everyone performed the best they possibly could.
00:25:34I'm happy with the family's performance.
00:25:35So I'm proud of the lads, to be fair to them.
00:25:37They put in a good effort.
00:25:39Which means Anna and the Cars and Davey and the Smiths get ready for our first eliminator of the semifinals.
00:25:48Best of luck.
00:25:48I feel that we've done this interview already, except it was in the quarterfinals.
00:25:52This is a total deja vu moment.
00:25:54I'm not sure how many eliminators are left in my lifetime.
00:25:57Hopefully this will be the last one.
00:25:58We're a bit devastated that we're going into the eliminator, but we're well able to do it.
00:26:02So we're just going to have to push on and get it done.
00:26:05Now, Anna's Cars and Davey Smiths are about to go head-to-head in the first eliminator here at Drada Port.
00:26:17One last push for that place in the final.
00:26:20But who will triumph when all these shipping containers contain?
00:26:24It's pain.
00:26:28The Port Eliminator begins with a bang.
00:26:30Both families have to pull a 5.5-tonne forklift for 20 metres.
00:26:37Then they have to pick up a 30-kilogram log and run down the length of the 200 metres course.
00:26:43Next, it's a climb up and over a series of containers.
00:26:46Each of those are 2.6 metres in height.
00:26:49Some single height and some double height.
00:26:51Next, it's a sprint to the three-metre wall, which they have to climb over before they run on and face our signature wraps.
00:26:59The first family, with all four members at the top, win a place in the grand final.
00:27:04There's a lot of things that could actually go wrong in this race, but the ultimate prize is at stake.
00:27:17One of the coveted places in Ireland's fittest family final.
00:27:20That's why they've made this hard, because you're now having to fight and prove that you're good enough to be in the final.
00:27:25We're not out yet, but we absolutely now have to fight with everything that we have to make sure that we are one of the families there.
00:27:33This is a big one for us.
00:27:35We know we're probably against one of the favourites for the competition.
00:27:38Let's go. Let's see how we're at.
00:27:40Everybody thinks we're going out of this.
00:27:42Guys, just absolutely please, just let's go at this, okay?
00:27:45I feel very nervous for this, yeah.
00:27:46The containers seem a bit daunting.
00:27:49This is your last shot of making it to the final.
00:27:53I know. I just don't want to go home.
00:27:55I really can't stress it enough.
00:27:58I don't want to go home.
00:27:59The stakes have never been higher, but the reward has never been greater.
00:28:04Ready to go in black are the cars.
00:28:06Elizabeth, Gareth, Tom and Simon.
00:28:08Wearing purple, it's the Smiths.
00:28:10Sean, Adam, Mark and Mum, Cathy.
00:28:13Three, two, one.
00:28:17Our Heat One Eliminator is underway, and this is going to be quite the start,
00:28:21because that forklift truck weighs 5.5 tonnes.
00:28:25And they have to pull it 20 metres.
00:28:28So the Smiths, well, there was a little bit of movement there,
00:28:31and now the cars have got that moving.
00:28:34This really shocks them into action right at the start of the Eliminator.
00:28:38A place in the grand final at the state.
00:28:41The Smiths now have their forklift moving as well.
00:28:45Davey and Anna both roaring at their respective families.
00:28:49The cars have a lead.
00:28:51They really are driving through, and they have a good rhythm and tempo now,
00:28:57but the Smiths have got stuck.
00:28:59They did have it moving a few seconds ago, but now it's stopped completely.
00:29:04An opportunity for the cars.
00:29:05They have moved the forklift over the 20 metres, and they're away,
00:29:09and the Smiths are stuck here.
00:29:11There is a tiny bit of movement there.
00:29:13You can see it, but not enough.
00:29:15And the cars can open up and build a healthy lead now.
00:29:19They're taking this at a steady pace,
00:29:21but the Smiths, this is going wrong for them.
00:29:25So Davey just changing the approach a little bit.
00:29:28But with every second, the cars are pulling away from the Smiths.
00:29:32So they're able to do that, just really at their own pace, aren't they now?
00:29:38So Davey changing the order a little bit.
00:29:40The rope wrapped around the back, and off they go.
00:29:44Or do they?
00:29:46So the cars have got rid of that 30-kilogram log,
00:29:49and now they come down to these containers.
00:29:53Strategy clear thinking is the message from Anna Geary,
00:29:55but the Smiths are still struggling to get that forklift over the 20 metres.
00:30:00Cathy taking off the gloves now.
00:30:02Maybe that might help.
00:30:03But Davey is just trying to cajole them, encourage them.
00:30:08Their arms will be really fatigued as well after the Battle of the Boyne event.
00:30:12The cars just going at their own pace at the moment.
00:30:15They can't even see the Smiths behind them.
00:30:18Anna had a check down the course, but the Smiths are still stuck,
00:30:21and this is going very badly wrong for them.
00:30:24They've been absolutely brilliant in this competition.
00:30:26Now they've got it going.
00:30:27There's a bit of movement there, a good rhythm,
00:30:29a little bit of a fall there, but that is Simon.
00:30:32He's okay.
00:30:34So each of these 2.6 metres high,
00:30:37and there's two of those double stacks.
00:30:39They've all got rid of the gloves now at this point,
00:30:41and they are very nearly at the 20-metre mark with this forklift truck.
00:30:46Tom Carr goes up to the top of that container.
00:30:49They've just got to keep doing what they're doing.
00:30:51It's all very methodical.
00:30:55So now the Smiths have finally completed that challenge with that forklift truck.
00:31:00They'll never want to see another one again.
00:31:02And now they've got to run down here, grab this 30-kilogram log,
00:31:05and run 200 metres with it.
00:31:08The Carr's just slow and steady.
00:31:11They've paced themselves all the way through.
00:31:12That's one of those double container pyramids.
00:31:16So Davey is running with his family down the 200 metres.
00:31:21He looks in shape too, doesn't he?
00:31:22So that's Elizabeth Carr.
00:31:29So they get down to that barrel.
00:31:31They have a lot of ground to make up,
00:31:33but we've seen them do it in this competition this year.
00:31:37They have made up big deficits before.
00:31:41This is the biggest of the lot, but the Smiths can't get it done.
00:31:44And here they are at the first container.
00:31:46That was a brilliant leap, wasn't it?
00:31:48Up to the top.
00:31:49So they've just got to hold their concentration,
00:31:53hold their nerve and keep going
00:31:54and hope that there's a mistake from the Carr family.
00:31:58They haven't made one so far.
00:31:59So that's the first container done by the Smiths.
00:32:02A bit of a fall from Cathy, and she's held back to her feet.
00:32:05What a day she's had.
00:32:06What a brilliant competition they have had.
00:32:09And so have the Carr's.
00:32:10And they are closing in on the place in the grand final.
00:32:14Tom Carr up to the top.
00:32:15So there's two of those double container pyramids.
00:32:19The Smiths at the first of those now.
00:32:24Now that's it.
00:32:24You just never know.
00:32:27Lower and backwards, let's go.
00:32:28The Carrs go back to the quarterfinal.
00:32:30They had a big problem at that high wall.
00:32:33And this wall, you'll see shortly, is three metres high.
00:32:37So the Smiths still doing their stuff.
00:32:40It's all very connected.
00:32:41There's a clear plan from the Smith family,
00:32:43but there is from the Carrs too.
00:32:44So Tom's up at the top of the wall.
00:32:46Can the Smiths be absolutely perfect here?
00:32:50They've looked very good on these containers so far.
00:32:54But they are under pressure.
00:32:55There's two of the Carr family up at the top of that wall.
00:32:59They had plenty of time to plan out a strategy here
00:33:02after the mistake of the quarterfinal,
00:33:03which very nearly cost them.
00:33:05Here come the Smiths.
00:33:07That's Cathy.
00:33:09And now that's a brilliant leap up to the top.
00:33:11That's Simon who's got up there.
00:33:14So only Elizabeth is down the other side.
00:33:16And then it's just the ramp after that.
00:33:18Davey has a look down the course.
00:33:20He can see where the Carrs are.
00:33:23The Smiths have another double container stack to do.
00:33:25First time up for Simon Carr.
00:33:27That was absolutely brilliant.
00:33:29And the pressure grows on the Smiths family.
00:33:32The Carrs have been pretty perfect all the way through.
00:33:34Second to go is the Elgarath.
00:33:36That is absolutely brilliant as well.
00:33:38Two out of two.
00:33:39Here come the Smiths though,
00:33:40but it seems it's too little too late.
00:33:43The Carrs have two up at the top of the ramp.
00:33:46The Smiths are doing all they can to try and close the gap.
00:33:49Here is Elizabeth Carr.
00:33:50And she's up first time as well, is she?
00:33:53Yes, she is.
00:33:54They have been absolutely flawless around this really difficult course.
00:33:58The Smiths, well, it went wrong right at the start with the forklift.
00:34:02Here goes Tom Carr to make it four out of four.
00:34:04They each got up first time.
00:34:06And Tom Carr is very nearly there.
00:34:08And he is there.
00:34:09That is such a performance from the Carrs.
00:34:12A statement victory.
00:34:13And they are through to the grand final.
00:34:15They led right from the start.
00:34:17Never in doubt.
00:34:18Superb.
00:34:19Well done.
00:34:21Yes.
00:34:22Perfect.
00:34:23Climbed a mountain and I turned around.
00:34:26Disappointing.
00:34:27It's just a truck bullet.
00:34:28The start was tough.
00:34:29Our upper body wasn't as good as the Carrs,
00:34:31but that's for the family.
00:34:32Some things suit you, some things don't.
00:34:34Obviously, we're a little bit disappointed,
00:34:36but I think we can be super proud of ourselves
00:34:38for how we've done over the last three rounds.
00:34:39And yeah, it is what it is.
00:34:42Cathy, I'm going to miss you so much.
00:34:45Lads, how was it to do that with your mom?
00:34:47It's an experience.
00:34:48It's like a handful of people in the country yet.
00:34:50And I think it's just something that we look back on
00:34:51in years to come that she's proved
00:34:54not only to herself now, but to everyone that
00:34:56she can absolutely smash everything.
00:34:57And she's absolutely amazing.
00:34:58So we're super proud of her as a whole family.
00:35:00It's not like I'm actually going to cry.
00:35:01I'm going to talk to you again after this.
00:35:04Oh, Davey, please say something.
00:35:06They're dead right.
00:35:08And I mean that, you know,
00:35:09and you just give yourself a tough time.
00:35:10You're actually incredible.
00:35:11I'm very proud of myself for doing it.
00:35:13It's totally out of my comfort zone,
00:35:15way out of my comfort zone.
00:35:16It's not something I'd ever do again,
00:35:17but I've done it and I'm delighted
00:35:19I've done it with the three boys.
00:35:22Anna, Kiri, get over here.
00:35:25I can finally smile for the first time today.
00:35:28It is relieved.
00:35:29You can breathe again.
00:35:30Oh, my God.
00:35:31Three words.
00:35:32Relieved, relieved, relieved.
00:35:35What was lucky for us
00:35:37was that we had the pull at the start.
00:35:38So when we were able to take the lead with the log,
00:35:40it gave all of them a chance
00:35:42to get their breath back
00:35:43so then they could attack the containers at pace.
00:35:45Lads, talk to me.
00:35:46How does it feel to have secured your spot in the final?
00:35:50Yeah, it feels great.
00:35:51It wasn't, to be fair.
00:35:52The start was big for us.
00:35:53It felt bad for the Smiths.
00:35:54That element of the course kind of went against them.
00:35:56But happy with the effort everyone put in.
00:35:58Anna, the cards are true to the final.
00:36:01I'm our little bit of family.
00:36:03Come on now, you can give me a bit more than that, lads.
00:36:05You don't have to wait.
00:36:06And they're the greatest winners.
00:36:07Well done, I'm so proud of you.
00:36:09Do you know what?
00:36:10That was an explosive eliminator.
00:36:12And I enjoyed it so much
00:36:14that I think you should stick around
00:36:15and we should do it all over again.
00:36:20Weyla, look at your timing.
00:36:22They are going to be tipping each other fairly soon.
00:36:24That's the job.
00:36:24Into the rally, come on.
00:36:33Oh, this is the life.
00:36:42The sun in my face and the wind in my hair
00:36:44on the Boyne Riviera.
00:36:47Oh.
00:36:48Oh, is that Davie?
00:36:52Welcome back to Ireland's Fittest Family.
00:36:54The tension is rising as we're about to find out
00:36:57who's going to grab those last two spots
00:36:59in our grand final.
00:37:12Hey, lads.
00:37:14What are you doing?
00:37:15We have a whole afternoon, a Davie, ahead of us.
00:37:17So we need to center ourselves before the storm.
00:37:19Yeah, the intensity is great and all,
00:37:20but we just like to kind of
00:37:22take out a little bit of the shouting and screaming.
00:37:24Okay.
00:37:25It's going to take a lot more than that, but
00:37:26best of luck.
00:37:27Yeah.
00:37:27See you later.
00:37:27Cheers.
00:37:29Nick up that ground!
00:37:30Let's go!
00:37:30Come on, right there.
00:37:31Come on.
00:37:31Come on!
00:37:32Come on!
00:37:33Let's go!
00:37:33Keep going now.
00:37:34Pull it back more.
00:37:35Lads, we have to keep going.
00:37:36Get up that one!
00:37:39Breathe out the Davie.
00:37:41That's far better.
00:37:43Namaste.
00:37:44Namaste, Davie.
00:37:47We're about to kick off Heat 2
00:37:49and here's the lineup.
00:37:50It's Davie and the McDonaghs
00:37:52versus Michael Dara and the Walshes
00:37:55versus Andrew and the McKennas.
00:38:01Happy days.
00:38:02We're in the water.
00:38:03This is the space they're comfortable in
00:38:04and that's all you want,
00:38:05especially for Amy, the man,
00:38:06like this is her bread and butter.
00:38:07When I kayak,
00:38:08if I'm going backwards,
00:38:09there's something wrong.
00:38:10So the fact that I'm going to be in a boat
00:38:12going backwards
00:38:13is going to be really bonkers.
00:38:15I haven't a clue what's going to happen here.
00:38:17Feeling confident going into it.
00:38:19A little bit nervous,
00:38:20but mostly just buzzing,
00:38:21like buzzing to get going.
00:38:23It is going to be a challenge.
00:38:24We accept everything we do
00:38:25in this show is going to be a challenge,
00:38:26so we'll embrace it
00:38:27as we have all the rest of them.
00:38:28If we stick together as a team
00:38:30and work as a team,
00:38:31we'll hopefully stand a good chance.
00:38:32I'd be surprised
00:38:33if the McKennas get panicked at all.
00:38:34They seem like the picture of calmness,
00:38:36so they'll be fine, I'd say.
00:38:38Welcome to your first semi-final
00:38:40in Ireland's Fiddlest family, lads.
00:38:41Yeah, so far so good.
00:38:43Yeah, we're here to take part
00:38:44and do a little half day,
00:38:46so I'm very excited about half day.
00:38:48Davies is exhausted.
00:38:49I feel like Davies aged terribly this morning.
00:38:52I feel great.
00:38:53Two families is probably one too many,
00:38:56so I'm down to one team
00:38:57like the rest of the coaches,
00:38:58so I need to get them through.
00:38:59Can you believe that you've actually made it
00:39:01to the semi-finals of Ireland's Fiddlest family,
00:39:03Michael Dyer?
00:39:04Yeah, yeah, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster.
00:39:06We kind of got there by their fingertips
00:39:07to get our last mammy up that ramp,
00:39:09so we're looking forward to this one.
00:39:10The Walsh is having a bit of a history in the water,
00:39:12so hopefully it'll go well.
00:39:14Wait, what's their history in the water?
00:39:16Amy is a big kayaker,
00:39:17and the two boys were in a rowing club
00:39:19for three years as well.
00:39:20You're welcome that I got that information out of them,
00:39:22so you're set up.
00:39:23My confidence has gone from here to here immediately.
00:39:26Anything you'd like to share back with Michael Dyer?
00:39:28No?
00:39:28No, no, keep that.
00:39:29We're better on land, I think, than the McEnnis,
00:39:30to be honest.
00:39:33In green, it's the Walsh's.
00:39:34Michael, Alfie, Aidan, and mum, Amy.
00:39:37The McEnnis wear orange.
00:39:39It's Pat, Matthew, Daniel, and Leah.
00:39:42The McEnnis are in red.
00:39:43Sharon, Caelan, Cormac, and Colleen.
00:39:491,000 metres.
00:39:51Three precious points for the winners.
00:39:55And off we go.
00:39:56And, well, the McDonough's, you can see in the centre there,
00:40:00have come across towards the Walsh family.
00:40:02They're very close together.
00:40:04There's clear water for the McEnnis.
00:40:06But the Walsh's, well, I wonder,
00:40:08would you make them favourites here?
00:40:09Two of the lads had experience with their local rowing club.
00:40:13The McDonough's, for Davy Fitz, quietly confident beforehand,
00:40:18as were the McEnnis.
00:40:21So a big shout-out to Inverculpa Rowing Club,
00:40:25who gave us the use of their boats,
00:40:27and also gave the families a tutorial,
00:40:28a very important tutorial before the race started.
00:40:33They each have a cox in the boat to help them
00:40:36with the tempo and the rhythm,
00:40:38which is so important.
00:40:41So there's very little between them, really.
00:40:44Shithers not.
00:40:44Look at that.
00:40:45The coaches are enjoying this,
00:40:50but that is something else.
00:40:52Early stages, but they can't be separated.
00:40:55All going very nicely, all going at a good pace.
00:40:58The McDonough's in the centre there, veering across.
00:41:01But the McDonough's had the lead there,
00:41:03but they are drifting over towards the Walsh's boat,
00:41:06and they're right beside each other.
00:41:07The oars are tipping, and Davy's loving that.
00:41:09On board with the McDonough's.
00:41:18So Michael Dara is coaching the Walsh's,
00:41:21and now the McDonough's have opened up a lead
00:41:23on the Walsh's, and they're leading at the moment.
00:41:25The McKenna's in second.
00:41:28The McDonough's still veering off course a little bit.
00:41:30Now they're trying to just straighten it up
00:41:31and get a bit of clear water between themselves
00:41:34and the Walsh family.
00:41:35Andrew reacting to his McKenna family.
00:41:41They've dropped to third at the moment.
00:41:45So look at that.
00:41:47The Walsh is kind of veering off course as well.
00:41:49They've straightened it up again,
00:41:51but the McDonough's are leading.
00:41:53For Davy Fitz.
00:41:56Michael Dara happier with the rhythm
00:41:59that the Walsh family are in now.
00:42:01So the McDonough's are leading,
00:42:07and the tempo is really good,
00:42:09but the Walsh's not giving up.
00:42:11We haven't seen them give up at all in this competition,
00:42:13and now they're moving nicely,
00:42:15and they're closing on the McDonough's
00:42:16on the left-hand side there.
00:42:18The McKenna's still very much in third place.
00:42:20Come on.
00:42:21Well, you need some power in this boat.
00:42:23The Cox in the McKenna boat wants more power,
00:42:26and they're applying the power now.
00:42:28So Andrew delighted with the reaction from his family
00:42:34as they respond to dropping to third.
00:42:37And they're closing on the McDonough's in the center there.
00:42:40They're still leading.
00:42:41The Walsh's on board with them.
00:42:43They are third.
00:42:47Serious test of fitness and endurance.
00:42:49The finishing marker is in sight.
00:42:55Really intense battle between these families,
00:42:58and the McKenna's have gone from third to first.
00:42:59They're now leading over on the far side.
00:43:01The McDonough's trying to respond.
00:43:03Their lead has been wiped out,
00:43:05and it was a healthy lead just a few hundred meters ago,
00:43:08but the McKenna's are powering forward.
00:43:10Now the McDonough's have reacted.
00:43:11They're level with them again, it seems.
00:43:13Maybe the McDonough's fractionally in front,
00:43:15but they've lost control of the boat a bit.
00:43:16They've gone a little off line.
00:43:20This going right down to the final meters.
00:43:23Michael Taravigali enjoying this maybe more than he should.
00:43:26His Walsh family are in third,
00:43:28but there's nothing between the McDonough's in the center
00:43:30and the McKenna's on the right.
00:43:33This is really intense, a fantastic race.
00:43:36It has been right from the start.
00:43:38The McKenna's have opened up a big lead again.
00:43:39They've found the energy and the effort from somewhere.
00:43:45They are trying to dig in,
00:43:46and look at that.
00:43:47The McKenna's now pulling away.
00:43:49They really have come good,
00:43:51and here we are in the last 20 meters.
00:43:53You heard the Cogs call that out for them.
00:43:55Just these final meters for the McKenna family
00:43:57to try and win the battle of the Boeing.
00:44:00The McDonough's had the lead not so long ago in second.
00:44:02The Walsh's are in third.
00:44:06But the Walsh's are closing on the McDonough's, it seems,
00:44:09if you look on the left of your picture.
00:44:12The McKenna's heading towards the finishing marker,
00:44:15and there they are.
00:44:16They win and take three points.
00:44:18That was some performance.
00:44:19Another victory for the McKenna family.
00:44:21Three points.
00:44:23Now it's down to second and third.
00:44:24The McDonough's driving and pulling for all their work.
00:44:29The Walsh's are closing on them.
00:44:30It's very, very tight between these two.
00:44:33And it's tight towards the bank as well.
00:44:35And it's second place for the McDonough's.
00:44:37Only just the Walsh's gave it everything,
00:44:40and they really put a huge effort in,
00:44:42but they finished third.
00:44:43Sure, look.
00:44:44We just got a bit squeezed and a bit squashed,
00:44:47and we're not sore losers,
00:44:48but we're just frustrated that it didn't go away, really.
00:44:51Obviously not the result that you wanted here,
00:44:53so tell me, what was it like being in the water?
00:44:56I think, look, we just got the wrong lane,
00:44:59and we just got pinned too much to the side.
00:45:01We couldn't get our oar in.
00:45:02It is what it is.
00:45:03There's nothing we can do.
00:45:04It's in the rearview mirror now.
00:45:05This didn't go well for us,
00:45:06but if round two goes well,
00:45:08we can get a half day here.
00:45:09We can go home into the finals.
00:45:11You're already on a half day.
00:45:12I have dinner plans.
00:45:14We can have a great hang tough,
00:45:16and then come out, and we're laughing.
00:45:19So let's just draw a line and move on.
00:45:21We have to.
00:45:23Pat, get over here to me right now, okay,
00:45:24because I need to talk to you first.
00:45:25How did it feel to have your name chanted so much by Davy Fitz?
00:45:30My heart was so loud, I couldn't hear myself.
00:45:33Never mind Davy Fitz, to be quite honest.
00:45:35We gave it our best shot, to be quite honest.
00:45:36I emptied the tank.
00:45:37You know, personally, my focus was just keep breathing,
00:45:39keep breathing, and that was it.
00:45:41I thought we'd struggle in it, but we did pretty well.
00:45:43We were in the lead for a lot of it,
00:45:44and great result for us,
00:45:45but it all comes down to hang tough.
00:45:49Oh, McEnnis!
00:45:52Oh, my God!
00:45:53You must be absolutely delighted, are you?
00:45:54Thank God we had that over us.
00:45:56I think this was tough mentally as well.
00:45:58It was definitely physically,
00:45:59but just to keep going, because it's very long.
00:46:01They did really well.
00:46:02They stuck at it,
00:46:02and a little bit of stress around here,
00:46:04and then they just got it back on track
00:46:06and got it across the line.
00:46:07In terms of how the McEnnis have done in other events,
00:46:09it was probably a bit of an ugly win,
00:46:11but a win's a win,
00:46:12and they're in a good position going through the next one.
00:46:15Now, time for the scoreboard.
00:46:19After our first event in Heat 2,
00:46:21Andrews McEnnis have sailed to the top of the table
00:46:24with three points.
00:46:26Davies McDonough's, who came in second place,
00:46:28have two points,
00:46:30and Michael Dyer's Walsh's are in last place
00:46:32with just one point.
00:46:38Time to dive into hang tough again,
00:46:40and who will be diving into the freezing cold water
00:46:44of the River Boyne first.
00:46:45Our families will want to hang on for dear life
00:46:48and a place in the grand final.
00:46:53First up in Heat 2 for hang tough
00:46:55are Davies McDonough family from Mayo.
00:46:57They're in second place after Battle of the Boyne,
00:46:59so they'll need to really hang on
00:47:01to avoid the eliminator.
00:47:02I don't know what they expect to hang tough.
00:47:06Mentally, they're strong,
00:47:07but normally the lighter you are,
00:47:08the better it is for you.
00:47:10If you're under pressure at any stage,
00:47:11talk to me, okay?
00:47:12I'll be working with Leah on the numbers.
00:47:14I'd love to say that I'd be hanging on the longest,
00:47:16but I really won't be.
00:47:17It's probably going to be between me and Dad,
00:47:18first one to go.
00:47:19We all know how much you want this,
00:47:21and I know that you're going to hang on for dear life.
00:47:23Is that the plan here?
00:47:24Oh, till the tide goes out.
00:47:26I love it.
00:47:26I'm confident enough that we can be there or thereabouts.
00:47:31This would be great if we could get first on this.
00:47:33I'd be out the door in the final.
00:47:34Happy days.
00:47:35We'll try.
00:47:35I'm open for anything.
00:47:37Let's be optimistic and try and get that first place.
00:47:42That's it.
00:47:43From left to right for the McDonough's,
00:47:45it's Pat, Leah, Daniel and Matthew.
00:47:48The McDonough's a big boxing family,
00:47:50lots of upper body strength.
00:47:52That should help them here.
00:47:56Raise the crane.
00:47:57So in our second heat,
00:47:58they are first to take on Hang Tough.
00:48:01You can hear the engine start in the background,
00:48:03and you can see the clock ticking.
00:48:06They're underway.
00:48:10See themselves very much as underdogs in this competition.
00:48:16Davey Fitz certainly doesn't see them that way.
00:48:18Get your mind someplace else.
00:48:21And Davey...
00:48:22There was a little adjustment from Matthew there.
00:48:26But it can be unsettling
00:48:27until the crane actually stops,
00:48:30and it's done so.
00:48:33Now, Leah, we'll count down from the 30.
00:48:35So the arms will be tired.
00:48:36There's some movement from Leah already.
00:48:37Oh, my word.
00:48:38Leah's gone in after 34 seconds.
00:48:42So down to the lads.
00:48:43Matthew, Daniel and Pat.
00:48:48Pat is Daniel's granddad, of course.
00:48:50Leah, swim out.
00:48:52Daniel with the eyes wide open.
00:48:54And Leah just been told to move away from the area
00:48:58where the lads will eventually drop down into the water.
00:49:01That's it, guys.
00:49:01Just stay there.
00:49:04They've a remarkable record.
00:49:05They've never been in an eliminator.
00:49:07And that is Pat.
00:49:08He's gone in after a minute.
00:49:11So this not going according to plan.
00:49:13And there's some movement now from Matthew.
00:49:17He hasn't looked happy from the start.
00:49:19Daniel just doing those pull-ups with the bar.
00:49:25So it's down to the two guys.
00:49:27And more movement from Matthew.
00:49:28And he's gone.
00:49:29One minute and 16 seconds.
00:49:30That is a surprise.
00:49:32All they've got left,
00:49:33the McDonough family from County Mayo,
00:49:35is Daniel.
00:49:3618-year-old Daniel.
00:49:37And now there's some movement from Daniel.
00:49:40He's gone as well.
00:49:41He tried to adjust the position on the bar.
00:49:43One minute and 24.
00:49:454-14 is the total.
00:49:46That is a surprise.
00:49:47That wasn't our best performance, you know.
00:49:51But you know what?
00:49:52That gives us a right kick.
00:49:53And I know the other two families are really strong.
00:49:55But it'll give us a chance.
00:49:55And let's see what the story is.
00:49:57Leah, I can see that you're very upset there.
00:49:59Let me in beside you there for a second.
00:50:01Raging, to be honest.
00:50:02Like, I didn't...
00:50:02Soon as I got up there,
00:50:04I don't even know.
00:50:04I got into my own head.
00:50:06Said I'm moving my grip.
00:50:07And I know the one thing Davey told us to do
00:50:08was not change your grip.
00:50:09But it's so hard when you're up there
00:50:10and you can feel your hands slipping.
00:50:11And you're like, oh, I'll have another grab at it.
00:50:13And then you're gone.
00:50:14Pat, how are you feeling?
00:50:15Pat, look it, hey.
00:50:18We knew it was going to be tough.
00:50:19We haven't had the pleasure of having an eliminator.
00:50:21This will be our first one.
00:50:22We have no doubt about it.
00:50:23If we want to progress,
00:50:24these are challenges that are going to come up against us
00:50:26in the next two rounds ahead of us.
00:50:28So we need to familiarise ourselves with it too.
00:50:31So I don't see it as being a negative,
00:50:32to be quite honest.
00:50:36Up next on Hank Tuffin,
00:50:38desperate to turn their fortunes around
00:50:40after coming third in Battle of the Boyne,
00:50:42it's Michael Darragh and the Walsh family.
00:50:44This is all about just getting ahead in the game.
00:50:47Like, don't mind cameras, don't mind anything.
00:50:49It's you and this little bar right here.
00:50:51When they're up there, eyes closed,
00:50:53get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
00:50:54And one of the biggest cliches ever used by a sports team.
00:50:56Plus, that's where you have to go to.
00:50:58Lads, how are you feeling about it?
00:50:59We're kind of excited.
00:51:01Okay.
00:51:02Like, it's not going to be fun.
00:51:03It's not going to be enjoyable.
00:51:04Kind of excited for it.
00:51:05No, I won't be saying that to anyone else.
00:51:06But I've always wanted to try it.
00:51:08You know, you've been watching telly there for years.
00:51:09I'd say it's a lot harder than it looks,
00:51:11but I might make it look easy.
00:51:14Second to take on Hangtuff,
00:51:16the Walsh family from left to right.
00:51:18Mum, Amy, Michael, Alfie and Aidan.
00:51:21They were third in the Battle of the Boyne
00:51:23and they need a really good time here.
00:51:30A lot of tension.
00:51:32Alfie was dying to do this.
00:51:33Let's see how he gets on.
00:51:34So, Amy just closes her eyes
00:51:37and up they go.
00:51:40Four minutes and 14
00:51:41is the time to beat.
00:51:47So, Aidan is on the right of the screen.
00:51:49Aidan is on.
00:51:49You and the bar.
00:51:50That's it.
00:51:52Michael Darragh,
00:51:53well, it's his first time to see this.
00:51:55The newbie coach that he is.
00:52:00Crane has stopped.
00:52:01And they have
00:52:05all done
00:52:06half a minute.
00:52:10Amy.
00:52:12And that's Aidan.
00:52:17So, they're swaying a little bit.
00:52:18There's not a huge amount of wind out there.
00:52:20It's quite calm.
00:52:2145 seconds already.
00:52:22Flying in.
00:52:24And the time is flying.
00:52:28So, they all look good, don't they?
00:52:29All very steady.
00:52:33And there's a little grimace now
00:52:34on Michael's face.
00:52:37He does not
00:52:38look happy at all.
00:52:40Aidan
00:52:40taking a position.
00:52:42He's happy.
00:52:43He's just
00:52:43staring.
00:52:44Well, he's not staring.
00:52:45He's got the eyes closed.
00:52:46There's some movement from Michael.
00:52:48But Amy goes
00:52:48and she's gone in
00:52:50in one minute
00:52:50and 11 seconds.
00:52:52I have to say,
00:52:53I was more concerned about Michael.
00:52:55And Michael now,
00:52:56oh,
00:52:56he's gone as well.
00:52:58One minute and 15.
00:53:00Alfie and Aidan
00:53:01are left up there
00:53:02for the Walsh family.
00:53:04They need
00:53:05a big time here.
00:53:08Now, Aidan
00:53:08doing those chin-ups
00:53:10at the bar.
00:53:10That's incredible strength.
00:53:12Give me what you have here.
00:53:14Give me what you have here, Aidan.
00:53:15I've seen that before
00:53:15where people
00:53:16do that
00:53:17and it does
00:53:17seem to help.
00:53:20Another one from Aidan.
00:53:23And he's just adjusting
00:53:25the grip
00:53:25and that's never
00:53:26a good sign.
00:53:27And he's gone in.
00:53:28Aidan Walsh
00:53:29in one minute and 39.
00:53:31Alfie said he was dying
00:53:32to do this.
00:53:33But let's see how long
00:53:34he can last.
00:53:34He's starting to battle
00:53:35with it a little bit.
00:53:37There's been no adjustment
00:53:38with the grip.
00:53:39Michael Darrow working
00:53:42very closely with him
00:53:43and trying to encourage him
00:53:44but Alfie Walsh
00:53:46is gone.
00:53:46One minute and 53 seconds.
00:53:48You add it all together.
00:53:495.58.
00:53:50We'll see if that's good enough.
00:53:52If I told you I'd be
00:53:55the last one up there.
00:53:56The fact that
00:53:57I like peace and quiet
00:53:58and I was singing away
00:53:59a few songs in my head.
00:54:00Pink Pony Club
00:54:01by Chapel Rowan.
00:54:02Personal favourite of mine.
00:54:03Amy, you did incredibly well.
00:54:05Are you proud of yourself?
00:54:06I was fine
00:54:07because I opened my eyes
00:54:08and then I saw
00:54:08how high up it was
00:54:09and I danced up shake.
00:54:10And then I was waiting
00:54:11then for the drop
00:54:13and you wait for that
00:54:14hit when you hit the water.
00:54:16But yeah, done and dusted.
00:54:17How do you feel after that?
00:54:18Yeah, look,
00:54:19it's one of these ones
00:54:19we haven't seen
00:54:20the time trial
00:54:21what everyone else did
00:54:21so like it felt good.
00:54:23Let's see what happens.
00:54:24We did well.
00:54:25Did we do well enough?
00:54:26I don't know.
00:54:27I don't know.
00:54:28I'd have my suspicions.
00:54:30Right, deep breath.
00:54:32You're all good Sharon.
00:54:33You're strong.
00:54:34Hold on there Sharon.
00:54:49Welcome back to
00:54:50Ireland's fittest family.
00:54:52Before the break
00:54:53we saw Andrews McKenna
00:54:54leave the others
00:54:55in their wake
00:54:56to claim victory
00:54:57in Battle of the Boyne.
00:54:59Then things got even wetter
00:55:00when Michael Daris Walsh's
00:55:02and Davies McDonough's
00:55:04tackles the legendary
00:55:05Hang Tuff.
00:55:08Up next are the
00:55:09McKenna family
00:55:09from Monaghan.
00:55:11Can they hang on
00:55:12to their first place position
00:55:13and sail into
00:55:14the grand final?
00:55:15I think Hang Tuff's
00:55:16going to be
00:55:17pretty suitable to them.
00:55:18There's a level of competition
00:55:20within the family
00:55:21that's going to serve us
00:55:21pretty well
00:55:22especially with the brothers.
00:55:23It's perfect
00:55:24because they want to
00:55:25outlast each other.
00:55:26I suppose me and Conor
00:55:27could be the strongest
00:55:27but that doesn't necessarily
00:55:28mean we'll stay up longer.
00:55:29Colleen's very light
00:55:30and Mum is as hard as nails too.
00:55:32How are you feeling about this?
00:55:34We're a bit nervous.
00:55:35We have like a milestone
00:55:37we're hoping to reach.
00:55:38Okay.
00:55:38Am I allowed no?
00:55:40Am I privy to this information?
00:55:41No, because we might not make it.
00:55:42We've practised it a bit at home
00:55:44but we never expected
00:55:46to be doing that rowing
00:55:47so the arms are going
00:55:48to fail this one.
00:55:49Fairly tired.
00:55:49It's a tough workout
00:55:50so hopefully we'll get
00:55:51a bit of a banana
00:55:52into me here
00:55:53and go again.
00:55:55Last to go,
00:55:56the McKenna family
00:55:57from Monaghan
00:55:58from left to right.
00:55:59Colleen,
00:56:00Caelan,
00:56:00Cormac
00:56:01and Mum Sharon.
00:56:02They were first
00:56:02in Battle of the Boyne.
00:56:03Let me take your grip.
00:56:06They have this
00:56:06remarkable record
00:56:08in the competition this year.
00:56:10They've finished
00:56:10top of every event
00:56:11they've taken part in
00:56:12but they haven't done
00:56:15this before.
00:56:16They have been
00:56:17practising at home
00:56:19but as we said earlier
00:56:22you just can't
00:56:23replicate and recreate
00:56:25these kind of conditions.
00:56:27The freezing cold
00:56:28river point underneath you
00:56:29and that swaying
00:56:32as they move
00:56:32into position
00:56:33this is so different.
00:56:37Okay,
00:56:37the mechanics of it
00:56:39are the same.
00:56:40There's some movement
00:56:41already from Cormac
00:56:42just as he gets
00:56:42into position.
00:56:43They are swaying
00:56:44a little on the bar.
00:56:45All four of them actually
00:56:47but that was just
00:56:47as the crane came
00:56:48to a stop.
00:56:48So they've done
00:56:4930 seconds already.
00:56:50So the longest time
00:56:54was the Walsh's
00:56:55five minutes
00:56:56and 58 seconds.
00:56:59So Sharon with the eyes
00:57:00open.
00:57:01Caelan,
00:57:02he's been
00:57:02looking around a bit.
00:57:05I think he's just
00:57:05checking on the rest
00:57:06of his family.
00:57:07It doesn't seem to be
00:57:07any issue
00:57:08for any of them really.
00:57:10This is
00:57:11a very strong start.
00:57:13Cormac has the legs
00:57:14crossed.
00:57:15Now Caelan
00:57:17with the eyes
00:57:18closed.
00:57:19Another move
00:57:20from Cormac McKenna.
00:57:24But he's steady
00:57:26down again.
00:57:26Andrew Trimble
00:57:27as always
00:57:28very calm
00:57:28on the bank.
00:57:32Now Cormac
00:57:33is just
00:57:34readjusting
00:57:35slightly.
00:57:37Normally it's not
00:57:38a good sign
00:57:39but he's steady
00:57:40down again.
00:57:41So Sharon
00:57:45looking around
00:57:46as well
00:57:46and now
00:57:47Cormac
00:57:48seems to be
00:57:49in quite a bit
00:57:49of difficulty.
00:57:50He's changed
00:57:50the grip now.
00:57:53Very risky
00:57:53to do that
00:57:54when you're
00:57:54hanging up there.
00:57:55Cormac McKenna
00:57:56and he's gone
00:57:58one minute
00:57:58and 39 seconds.
00:58:00It's still
00:58:00a good time
00:58:01and they've
00:58:02three still up there.
00:58:0390 seconds.
00:58:07So now
00:58:08Colleen
00:58:08oh and she's
00:58:09gone one minute
00:58:10and 47.
00:58:12Just a few seconds
00:58:13after her brother
00:58:14Cormac
00:58:14it's down to
00:58:15Sharon and Caelan
00:58:16as they head
00:58:17towards two minutes.
00:58:20They both look
00:58:21strong.
00:58:22They both look
00:58:23steady.
00:58:23There's a grimace
00:58:24now as I say
00:58:24that on Sharon's
00:58:25face and she
00:58:26is in difficulty
00:58:27and Sharon drops
00:58:28in two minutes
00:58:29and two seconds.
00:58:30It's still a very
00:58:30very good time
00:58:31and Caelan
00:58:32doesn't look like
00:58:33he's going anywhere.
00:58:35Deep in
00:58:36concentration.
00:58:37Oh and now
00:58:38there's some
00:58:38movement from him
00:58:40just right
00:58:40at the end
00:58:41he's been
00:58:41so steady
00:58:43and calm
00:58:43all the way
00:58:44through
00:58:44this hang
00:58:45tough event
00:58:46but he's
00:58:48calmed down
00:58:49again.
00:58:50It's such
00:58:51an impressive
00:58:52show of strength
00:58:53from Caelan
00:58:54McKenna
00:58:55and he's gone
00:58:56in two minutes
00:58:57and 26 seconds
00:58:58a combined total
00:58:59of 7.54
00:59:00they've won
00:59:01both events
00:59:01it looks like
00:59:02they are straight
00:59:03through to the
00:59:03grand final.
00:59:05I think they're
00:59:05disappointed.
00:59:06They were hoping
00:59:06for nine minutes
00:59:07I reckon they're
00:59:08probably in around
00:59:09seven minutes
00:59:1050 but I thought
00:59:11they did well
00:59:11they're just used
00:59:12to smashing events
00:59:13like everything
00:59:14they've touched
00:59:14has turned to gold
00:59:15at this stage.
00:59:16Harry Zealand.
00:59:17Well I'm a wee bit
00:59:18smug because I wasn't
00:59:19the first one down
00:59:20I was expecting
00:59:20the first one down
00:59:21but unfortunately
00:59:22it was where Cormac
00:59:23My hands got a bit sweaty
00:59:24I was trying to pull
00:59:25myself up a bit
00:59:26and re-grip
00:59:26but I just slipped
00:59:27it doesn't matter
00:59:28if we still go past it
00:59:29I'll still hear about
00:59:30the dinner table
00:59:31or something.
00:59:32Caelan that was
00:59:33a super performance
00:59:34from you
00:59:35can you sit for your
00:59:35arms after that?
00:59:36Yeah but
00:59:37when you're practicing
00:59:38at home
00:59:38you're doing better
00:59:38That wasn't easy
00:59:39no.
00:59:40The first minute and a half
00:59:41I was comfortable enough
00:59:42and then Cormac dropped
00:59:44I sort of felt like
00:59:44I had to stay up longer
00:59:45to try and bring
00:59:46the average up.
00:59:47We're trying to avoid
00:59:47the eliminators
00:59:48but if we do have to
00:59:49be in it
00:59:49we want to win it
00:59:50if we want to get to the finale.
00:59:53With all the events
00:59:54completed
00:59:55it's time for me
00:59:56to pass on the results
00:59:57to our nervous families.
00:59:59Hi families
01:00:00well done today
01:00:02you all put in
01:00:02a phenomenal performance
01:00:04but it is time for me
01:00:06to reveal
01:00:07who will be going
01:00:08straight through
01:00:09to our grand final.
01:00:11And the family
01:00:12who will be going
01:00:14straight through
01:00:14and avoiding
01:00:15our eliminator is
01:00:16Andrew and the McKenna's
01:00:19congratulations
01:00:20to you.
01:00:23Which means
01:00:24Davey and the McDonough's
01:00:26and Michael Dara
01:00:28and the Walsh's
01:00:29it is time
01:00:29to get ready
01:00:30for our last eliminator
01:00:32for that final place
01:00:34in our grand final.
01:00:35Best of luck.
01:00:35All roads
01:00:43and rivers
01:00:44have led
01:00:44to this moment.
01:00:46Davies McDonough's
01:00:47versus
01:00:48Michael Dara's
01:00:49Walsh's
01:00:49in the last eliminator
01:00:51of our series.
01:00:52The prize
01:00:53that remaining spot
01:00:55in our grand final.
01:00:56Bring it on!
01:01:00You have to
01:01:01get over the ramps
01:01:02to get into the final
01:01:02so I think we've
01:01:03accepted it
01:01:04and
01:01:04yeah let's go.
01:01:05We're one event
01:01:06away from the final
01:01:07I mean
01:01:08wow.
01:01:13All I want
01:01:14is my family
01:01:14to give Everton
01:01:15just give everything
01:01:16and that's it.
01:01:17We're not happy
01:01:18with this morning
01:01:18we're not happy
01:01:19doing things
01:01:19it's in a winery.
01:01:20Davey's not happy
01:01:21Davey wants in the final
01:01:22so I need to be
01:01:24the spoiler.
01:01:25You've been here
01:01:26already today
01:01:26yeah
01:01:27are you feeling
01:01:27a bit nervous right now?
01:01:28Everton's on the line
01:01:29here for me
01:01:30and for Michael Dara
01:01:31like it's
01:01:31one of us going home
01:01:32like one of us
01:01:32and getting to the final
01:01:33this is my last
01:01:34chance but
01:01:35I embrace that.
01:01:36And this is the thing
01:01:37it's both of your
01:01:38last chances
01:01:38like one of you
01:01:39are going to be
01:01:39leaving the competition
01:01:40today.
01:01:41Surely you'll just
01:01:41give me a pass
01:01:42and let me just
01:01:42be the gentleman.
01:01:44Bring you around for vibes.
01:01:45For the good
01:01:45of people's eardrums
01:01:48around the country
01:01:48I'm going to try
01:01:49and beat them.
01:01:51There's one place
01:01:51left in the grand final
01:01:52for the McDonaghs
01:01:53in orange
01:01:54it's Pat, Matthew,
01:01:55Daniel and Leah
01:01:55and for the Waltzers
01:01:56in green
01:01:57it's Alfie, Aidan,
01:01:58Michael and Amy.
01:02:00Three,
01:02:00two,
01:02:01one.
01:02:04They're underway
01:02:05and it's the
01:02:06forklift truck
01:02:07right at the start
01:02:085.5 tonnes
01:02:10the Waltzers
01:02:11closest to us
01:02:12it's just all about
01:02:13getting it going
01:02:14but there's a lot more
01:02:15to it than that
01:02:16but the McDonaghs
01:02:16have it moving now
01:02:17and moving pretty steadily.
01:02:19Davey will know
01:02:20all about this
01:02:21from his experience
01:02:21with the Smiths family
01:02:22earlier on
01:02:23in this semi-final
01:02:25but the McDonaghs
01:02:26have a bit of a lead
01:02:28at the moment
01:02:28and Davey wants them
01:02:29to drive on
01:02:30not literally
01:02:32the Waltzers
01:02:35have it moving
01:02:36now as well
01:02:37but the McDonaghs
01:02:39heading and inching
01:02:41towards
01:02:42the finish line
01:02:43which
01:02:44when they started
01:02:45trying to move
01:02:46this forklift truck
01:02:47was 20 metres away
01:02:48it's quite a shock
01:02:49right at the start
01:02:50of the race
01:02:50isn't it?
01:02:52Michael Daryl
01:02:53McCauley
01:02:53really happy
01:02:54with what
01:02:55his Waltzers
01:02:56are doing
01:02:56that's Mum Amy
01:02:57at the bottom
01:02:59of the rope
01:02:59the McDonaghs
01:03:01very nearly there
01:03:03the wheels
01:03:03just once they
01:03:04cross that line
01:03:05they've done it
01:03:05and they are leading
01:03:06and away they go
01:03:07the Waltzers
01:03:08have that truck
01:03:09moving
01:03:09which is the main thing
01:03:11but the McDonaghs
01:03:12can build a lead here
01:03:13they all have to be
01:03:16connected to that
01:03:17log
01:03:17it weighs 30 kilograms
01:03:18and they're going
01:03:19to be running
01:03:20for 200 metres
01:03:21down the course
01:03:22so with every second
01:03:25the Waltzers
01:03:26are losing ground
01:03:27on the McDonaghs
01:03:28in this eliminator
01:03:29Paul O'Donovan
01:03:35running alongside
01:03:36the McDonaghs
01:03:37and the Waltzers
01:03:38almost there
01:03:39once the front wheels
01:03:40touch that metal line
01:03:41they can go
01:03:42and they're gone
01:03:42so now
01:03:44they have ground
01:03:46to make up
01:03:46the McDonaghs
01:03:48have got rid of
01:03:49the 30 kilogram log
01:03:51and now they're back down
01:03:52to take on
01:03:53these containers
01:03:54here come the Waltzers
01:03:55though
01:03:55they can make up
01:03:57that deficit
01:03:58over these
01:04:00containers
01:04:01because we've seen
01:04:03families have issues
01:04:04with these before
01:04:05Baby Fitz
01:04:06wants them to
01:04:07settle into that
01:04:08rhythm
01:04:09there will be
01:04:09a very clear plan
01:04:10so Amy Waltz
01:04:13just holding on
01:04:14to her son's top
01:04:15you can see that there
01:04:16so
01:04:18well
01:04:19they're actually going to run by
01:04:20the McDonaghs
01:04:21that's probably a little bit
01:04:22disconcerting for them
01:04:23but there'll be no panic
01:04:25at this stage
01:04:26because they are now
01:04:29on this run
01:04:30to the first container
01:04:32the McDonaghs
01:04:34are at the first
01:04:35double
01:04:35container pyramid
01:04:37so each
01:04:38one of them
01:04:392.6 metres high
01:04:41here come the Walshs
01:04:45they really are not
01:04:47that far behind
01:04:48they have
01:04:48made up ground
01:04:49perhaps the McDonaghs
01:04:50haven't been
01:04:51as flawless
01:04:52as they would like
01:04:53so that's passing
01:04:54on the top of that
01:04:56container
01:04:56he's got some help
01:04:57up there as well
01:04:57they've kind of split up
01:04:59a little bit at the moment
01:05:00the McDonagh family
01:05:01that's not an issue
01:05:01the Walshs all together
01:05:03all helping
01:05:04so Davey fits
01:05:10the McDonaghs
01:05:12are his last family
01:05:13same as Michael
01:05:14Darrell McCauley
01:05:14the Walshs
01:05:15are his last family
01:05:17so one of these two
01:05:18will not be in the
01:05:19grand final
01:05:20so the McDonaghs
01:05:24good steady pace
01:05:25that's Leah
01:05:26help to the top
01:05:26of that container
01:05:27down she goes
01:05:30here comes
01:05:30Pat McDonagh
01:05:31come on
01:05:32Davey will be
01:05:34hoarse at the
01:05:34end of the day
01:05:35Michael Darrell
01:05:37just offering
01:05:39whatever advice
01:05:40he can
01:05:41to the Walsh family
01:05:42this is the second
01:05:44container stack
01:05:45double container stack
01:05:46for the McDonaghs
01:05:47and Leah
01:05:49again dragged
01:05:50to the top
01:05:50she'll be too mad
01:05:51about that
01:05:52so Alfie
01:05:54Aidan Michael and
01:05:55Amy Walsh
01:05:56doing all they can
01:05:57pull her up
01:05:58pull her up
01:05:59pull her up
01:05:59McDonaghs
01:06:01holding on to this lead
01:06:03oh the pass
01:06:06stood on there
01:06:07Leah's up at the top
01:06:09you can see the gap
01:06:10between them
01:06:11so it's a healthy lead
01:06:13for the McDonaghs
01:06:14but you just never know
01:06:15it's taking a huge effort
01:06:19to get all eight of our competitors
01:06:22here
01:06:22Davey wants Pat to get down
01:06:24off the top of that container
01:06:26there's no let up with Davey Fitz
01:06:27or with Michael Darrell
01:06:29McCauley
01:06:29this is just a single container
01:06:31for Amy and the rest of the Walsh family
01:06:34so the McDonaghs are up at the wall
01:06:36again more climbing
01:06:39that's Matthew McDonagh
01:06:40who's gone up to the top
01:06:41Leah now joins him
01:06:43just about
01:06:44great material in that shirt
01:06:46the lads have certainly
01:06:47pulled and dragged it
01:06:49all over the place today
01:06:50so the Walshs have
01:06:51one final
01:06:53double container pyramid
01:06:55to take on
01:06:56the McDonaghs
01:06:57in a great position here though
01:06:59so
01:07:01they made a little bit
01:07:02of a mistake there
01:07:03that might open the door
01:07:04for the Walsh family
01:07:05Michael Darrell has a look
01:07:06around the corner
01:07:07to see how the McDonaghs
01:07:08are doing
01:07:09it can go wrong on the wall
01:07:10we've seen that before
01:07:11but it's not going to go wrong
01:07:13now that's Daniel
01:07:14who's helped to the top
01:07:15very impressive
01:07:16strength
01:07:17and Daniel
01:07:18is up there
01:07:19and all four of the McDonaghs
01:07:21are away from the wall
01:07:21it's just the ramp to go
01:07:23the Walshs try and close
01:07:25I think that expression
01:07:25of Michael Darrell's face
01:07:26said an awful lot
01:07:28he knows
01:07:28will the McDonaghs
01:07:30have a go at this first time
01:07:31here goes Matthew
01:07:32yeah he's got to the
01:07:33top he's very tall
01:07:34he just drags himself up
01:07:35and the Walsh family
01:07:36can see exactly
01:07:37what's going on
01:07:38Matthew McDonagh
01:07:39is up there
01:07:40now Daniel
01:07:40has a go too
01:07:41what a day he's had
01:07:43the Walshs try to go
01:07:44as fast as they can
01:07:45but time is running out
01:07:46for them
01:07:47now Leah
01:07:48is helped up there
01:07:49that's brilliant
01:07:49from Leah
01:07:50she gets up there
01:07:51first time
01:07:52three out of three
01:07:52for the McDonagh family
01:07:53and it's down to pass
01:07:55as the Walshs battle on
01:07:56now Pat McDonagh
01:07:57and he's dragged up
01:07:58to the top
01:07:59that's superb
01:07:59they made that look easy
01:08:01David over the moon
01:08:02the McDonaghs are into
01:08:03the grand final
01:08:04the last place is theirs
01:08:06but unfortunately
01:08:06the Walshs are out
01:08:07nothing went to plan
01:08:08today everything went wrong
01:08:09we were very confident
01:08:10going into it late
01:08:11but it came back
01:08:12and beat us
01:08:13ah lads
01:08:13lads
01:08:14what a shift
01:08:14head up
01:08:19head up
01:08:20oh come here
01:08:22I'd say
01:08:22you're quite happy
01:08:25but you're not
01:08:26like
01:08:26I'm really emotional
01:08:28I'm just so proud
01:08:29of my three small boys
01:08:30and I got to run
01:08:32and jump
01:08:32and climb
01:08:33and splash
01:08:33with them again
01:08:34it's been really special
01:08:35although we're out
01:08:36and although it's
01:08:36disappointing
01:08:37there's an awful
01:08:38lot more positives
01:08:39than negatives
01:08:40my heart is full
01:08:41Michael Dara
01:08:42how was it
01:08:43to get the Walshs
01:08:44all the way
01:08:45to the semi-final
01:08:45they keep looking at me
01:08:47as if I know what I'm doing
01:08:47I'm like
01:08:48I'm like
01:08:49I'm a newbie as well
01:08:50so we all went on the journey
01:08:52for the first time together
01:08:52highlight of the show
01:08:57oh
01:08:57first thing that flashes
01:08:58up in my head is
01:08:59and getting up the ramp
01:09:01in Gormonstown
01:09:02was pretty amazing
01:09:03reach reach reach
01:09:05reach reach reach
01:09:05you get so invested
01:09:07but you can't not
01:09:07be invested in people
01:09:08in this
01:09:09because it means so much
01:09:09to the families
01:09:10and people tell me
01:09:11it's going to be
01:09:11a lot of fun
01:09:12but it definitely
01:09:12exceeded my fun
01:09:13spectations
01:09:14is that a new word
01:09:15it's my word now
01:09:15trademark
01:09:17go go go
01:09:18all the way
01:09:18all the way
01:09:18all the way
01:09:19all the way
01:09:19all the way
01:09:20grab her
01:09:20yes
01:09:21I'm heartbroken
01:09:26what I would have liked
01:09:27to get
01:09:27to even see the final
01:09:28would have been nice
01:09:29yeah
01:09:29David
01:09:32oh my god
01:09:34you pulled it out of the bag
01:09:35you have to be delighted
01:09:36with that
01:09:36yeah I'm really thrilled
01:09:38that was a massive effort
01:09:39there
01:09:40and against the odds
01:09:41they keep coming up
01:09:42trumps
01:09:42and fair play at them
01:09:43I'm delighted
01:09:44I'm absolutely delighted
01:09:45for you
01:09:46well done
01:09:47me too
01:09:47the three guys
01:09:48were unbelievable
01:09:49and when I say
01:09:50I carry them here
01:09:51but they carry me
01:09:52around the course
01:09:53we want to go all the way
01:09:54we want to claim that title
01:09:55and we're into the last four now
01:09:57it's ours to take
01:09:58as much as anybody else's
01:09:59well I think I can say it
01:10:01one more time
01:10:02the McDonaghs are in the final
01:10:04of Ireland's Fittest Family
01:10:05well done
01:10:07what a day
01:10:09what an explosive finish
01:10:10and now we know
01:10:11who our four finalists are
01:10:13in the grand final
01:10:14we'll see you next week
01:10:15next week
01:10:19it's the Ireland's Fittest Family
01:10:20grand final
01:10:212025
01:10:22go
01:10:24go
01:10:25come on
01:10:26push
01:10:27win it faster
01:10:28it's not good enough
01:10:29keep
01:10:32keep it going
01:10:33keep it going
01:10:33keep it going
01:10:34keep it going
01:10:39come on
01:10:40let's go
01:10:40in the world
01:10:59go
01:11:11go
01:11:20go
01:11:21go
01:11:24go
01:11:25go
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