By Lauren Wall
A KILLYGORDON family will by flying the flag for Donegal as they take on the challenge of RTÉ’s Ireland’s Fittest Family.
The Gibson family will be lead by Michael Darragh McAuley as they battle it out for one of three places up for grabs in the next round of the popular TV show.
They’ll compete against familes from Laois, Tipperary, and Cork, this Sunday on RTÉ One at 6.30pm where they will take on the challenge of Hell and Back at the historic Haulbowline Navy Base.
The Gibson team includes mum Kathy-Ann (49), a PE teacher and TY coordinator. She will lead her three children who have wanted to take part in the programme for the last five years.
Kathy-Ann played badminton and hockey up until two years ago, and now has her own fitness routine and is a regular swimmer.
She was encouraged by her staff colleagues at The Royal and Prior, Raphoe, to take on the challenge.
Jessica, the youngest at just 14, will step up to fill in for her sister, Hannah, who couldn’t make it due to scheduling difficulties.
The second year student at The Royal and Prior is very excited to fill her sister’s shoes.
Next up is Joel, 19, a first year student at the Ulster University Magee campus.
Joel is studying Sport and Exercise Science and plays football for Dergview United in Castlederg.
Finally, 21 year old Mathew will back his younger siblings.
Another Ulster University student, Mathew is in third year studying engineering, and is currently on placement in Manchester.
He comes home every second weekend and plays rugby for his university and Coleraine.
The family’s first challenge this weekend will be Raft Rage.
Starting in the cold naval basin, this is a head-to-head race finishing with a rope climb from the sea onto an enormous Naval Patrol Ship.
They will then face the ultimate stamina test in Drill Down.
Based on punishing Navy drills, the family have to take turns to tackle a leg of the course proving their strength and agility.
The two highest scoring families will go through to the next round and the bottom two will have to face off in the Navy Eliminator.