Heartbreak for McDonalds in Ireland's Fittest Family finale

There was heartbreak for the McDonald family from Laois in tonight's finale of Ireland's Fittest Family, as they lost out to the Coney family from Tyrone by seconds.

In the final event, which involved all four members of the respective families scaling a ramp and taking their place at a platform on the top, it was nail-biting stuff all the way to the end.

Both families had three members atop the platform and it came down to the last two, with Coney's completing the challenge ahead of the McDonalds by a matter of seconds.

It brings to an end their remarkable run through the series, with father Martin admitting it would "have been nice to go all the way" in the aftermath of their loss.

The McDonalds missed out on a €15,000 top prize, but they proved to be hugely popular contestants throughout their run to the final.

Well done McDonalds. They only caught ye on the last ramp cause that one is all about muscle size and strength rather than fitness. Ye are the winners in my eyes #irelandsfittestfamily

— Rectangle (@wrecked_aingeal) December 16, 2018

Well done to the Coneys but the Mc Donalds were absolutely fantastic!!! #girlpower #IrelandsFittestFamily

— Mags Mc Guire (@magsmcguire) December 16, 2018

Well done to the McDonald's of Laois. So close to winning Ireland's Fittest Families. Amazing performance #IrelandsFittestFamily

— Adrian Kavanagh (@AdrianKavanagh) December 16, 2018

Awh I’m so gutted for the McDonald family, they came so so close #IrelandsFittestFamily

— Orla Kelly (@orla_kellly) December 16, 2018

Devastated for the McDonalds there.... what a close finish #IrelandsFittestFamily

— Helen Dempsey (@Helen_Dempsey) December 16, 2018

I just cried for the McDonalds in @RTEOne #irelandsfittestfamily. Great finale... My five year old is devo the 'pink' team lost!

— Ciara Smullen (@maloners) December 16, 2018

Absolutely heartbroken for the McDonalds from Laois. Not the strongest but were the fittest and lost by a hand grip . Well done the Coneys though! #IrelandsFittestFamily

— rorymcevoy (@rorymcevoy) December 16, 2018