Pictures: Kilkenny's multi-talented Cummins clan lauded with reception after Fittest Family victory

One of the most popular television programmes on the screens these days is Ireland’s Fittest Family. The 12th edition was of particular interest to Kilkenny viewers, with the participation — and eventual overall victory of — the Cummins family.

A tasty appreciation of what the Cummins team had done was hosted by Ian Brennan of the Club House Hotel on Saturday evening last. Family, friends and fans were in attendances as the outstanding achievement was marked with some light refreshments. Show sponsor Londis also sent down products and good wishes for the night.

We caught up with the Ireland’s Fittest Family, who were being photographed by one and sundry, applauded by others and engaged in many who were reminiscing by the many elements and the difficulties experienced. It really was a family effort by the Cummins clan.

Dad Paul needed no introduction given his achievements as a world champion kick boxer. He is hugely involved with ice hockey being a coach and mentor to the Irish international ice hockey team. We asked how the Fittest Family concept whetted his interest and why he thought it was a good idea to have a crack with his own Family.

“As you know, I had a great career as a champion kick boxer,” he said. “A byproduct of that discipline was the fact that physical fitness is of paramount importance. Some time last year — it could have been Zac or Bryce suggested while we were watching the TV — that we should consider entering. The lads are very fit and hugely dedicated to their sport, as they too are trained kick-boxers, and ice hockey players.”

The decision to include Hallie, who in my lowly opinion was the ace in the pack, was a master stroke. Paul quickly admitted that her performance throughout was beyond outstanding, but her balance on one leg for a time span practically double what the opposing contestants could muster was a marquee moment.

I asked Hallie what her concentration process was: “It was easy really,” she said. “I sang a song in my head and ignored the pressure.”

Bryce and Zac are two of Hallie’s brothers. Like their dad they are hugely involved with ice hockey and kick boxing. Zac is an apprentice mechanic, while Bryce is serving his time as a carpenter. Hallie plays camogie and will be sitting her Leaving Cert in Presentation Kilkenny.

There is a very important fourth member of the team who keeps feet on the ground, manages schedules, diets, gear, and of course PR. Her name is Patsy, Paul’s wife.

She ensures that all the prerequisites of the Fittest Family contest are followed to their absolute letter. For instance, the teams have to sign a confidentiality clause whereby their integrity is very much part of the entire process. Every participant surrenders their entire digital equipment. Failure to observe the undertaking would lead to instant disqualification and possibly prosecution. I put it to Patsy that the pressure must be exorbitant from the point of view that the competition takes place in June/July but does not hit the airwaves until February.

“Many people, including family and friends would be aware that the lads were competing, and would be enquiring as to their progress if any,” she says. “It is rather challenging at times, and some find it difficult to come to terms with regulations, but rules are rules, and it is in everybody’s interests not to comment at all.”

When I enquired from Zac he informed that the challenges differ from week to week. He also told me that they have no idea what lies before them until they arrive on site and the course logistics are outlined and explained.

“You really don’t know what is facing you until you get to the venue”, said Zac.

“It really all comes down to a level of fitness”, said Reece. I asked him about on-going post mortems when they were in the car coming home, and even when gathered around the table for meals at home. “The post-mortems never stop really” continued Bryce. “We were continually teasing out ways of doing anticipated elements, deciding which of us would be best suited for elements that depended on strength, speed, ploughing through heavy underfoot conditions like bog holes, climbing, carrying, running and jumping etc. For instance, we could not have had better than Halley when we needed somebody with a good sense of balance as she brilliantly performed”, he said.

Davy Fitzgerald was their on-field coach. All were euphoric in their expressions of praise for the All-Ireland hurling winner. Paul could not be more complimentary of the Clare legend.

“He was a winner,” he said. “He showed great respect for all of us, and even though he was roaring like a lunatic, we appreciated that he was doing the roaring for our benefit. A remarkable man.”

The occasion in the clubhouse was graced by the presence of newly-elected TD Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere. He was beaming as he lauded the determination and success involved.

“Kilkenny is again the beneficiary of yet more success on a National scale, and I am deeply proud to be associated with the success of  Paul, Hollie, Zac, Reece, and of course the fifth member but most important member, Mammy Patsy," he said.

Councillor John Coonan also associated himself with the success of the Cummins team. “I have known the Cummins Family for a long number of years, and I have been very familiar with their success at national and international levels. They have enhanced the esteem, and reputation of 'Brand Kilkenny', and this recent success has more that added a further lustre to our great county."

We could have talked all night in the Club House, and to be very fair the Cummins family ‘donated’ themselves selflessly to the occasion. One would have to admit that the success of the family will be written in capital letters into the archives of Kilkenny sporting success, to remain there as long as swallows make their nests in ‘ould men’s beards’, and further.
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