Two men die taking part in Ironman event in Co Cork during the swimming leg of triathlon
TWO men have died taking part in an Ironman triathlon event in Co Cork today.
The gruelling race had been re-organised for today after a postponement caused by Storm Betty.
The two men died in unrelated circumstances while participating in the 1.7 kilometre swim in the popular seaside resort of Youghal in County Cork.
One of the men killed is understood to be Canadian and in his mid 60s.
He died shortly after entering the sea at the start of the race and may have suffered a medical episode, possibly a heart attack.
The other is aged in his 40s and originally from Ireland but living in England.
He got into difficulties and died while swimming in the rough sea.
He was retrieved from the water by one of the safety boats accompanying the swimmers at around 8am.
The crew performed CPR on him and when the Youghal RNLI inshore lifeboat arrived they handed the casualty over.
However, he was later pronounced dead.
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Their bodies were taken to a temporary morgue in the local fire station and will be taken later today to the morgue at Cork University Hospital for postmortem examinations.
Saturday’s Ironman half triathalon in Youghal had been postponed until Sunday due to flooding and debris on the bike course in the aftermath of Storm Betty.
After the tragedies the event continued with a 90km cycle and a long distance run.
Gardai say files will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court but both deaths are being treated as tragedies.
The local community and organisers of the event have been left stunned by the tragedies.
One competitor said he heard others shouting for help while he was swimming.
Most of those in the water continued on as they did not realise how serious things were until they finished the race.
In a statement Ironman Ireland said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of two race participants at the IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland, Cork 2023.
“During the swim portion of Sunday’s race, safety personnel provided immediate medical assistance upon recognising the athletes were in need of assistance.
“We share our greatest sympathies with the families and friends of the athletes and will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time.”
Fine Gael councillor Sinead Sheppard was in Youghal to cheer on her husband Eamonn, who was taking part.
She said that she heard of the separate deaths of the men halfway through the day.
Sinead added: “It’s just so sad because no one ever thinks it is going to be them. You are holding your family a little bit tighter.
“The swim was well over and we were in the cycle section. News just got around.
“Everybody is absolutely shocked. I can’t even believe it.”
Stephen Lynch, from Bandon in West Cork, took part in the full Ironman triathalon and found out about the fatalities afterwards.
He said: “When you are in the race you don’t realise. It could have been anybody.”
And speaking about the swim, Stephen said: “I suppose it was challenging going out. It was OK returning the rest of the way.
“The waves were not as strong and we were not swimming against them. Everyone was eager to get going.”
He added: “What happened to those men is desperately sad."
A spokesperson for Cork County Council said: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of the families at this incredibly difficult time.
“We wish to express our gratitude to the response agencies involved including our dedicated fire and emergency personnel for their unwavering efforts during this difficult time.”
The race normally involves a 180km cycle along the costal roads and through villages in East Cork, the swim and a 42.2km run around Youghal and into the town where the finishing line is located.
Because of Storm Betty the courses were shortened to allow competitors to participate in the one day Sunday event.
Many of those involved were competing in the international element of the race which provides points for entry into international events in other countries.
'HARD TO BELIEVE'
One local said: “It is hard to believe that such tragedies have happened particularly after the trauma of having to cancel so much of the weekend because of the storm.”
The event attracts thousands of visitors to the seaside town of Youghal but because of the damage done by the storm with fallen trees and road strewn with debris plus flooding the organisers had to make the decision to cancel the big event.
The three-day event draws up to 12,000 visitors and athletes to Youghal and brings a €6m boost to the local and regional economy.
There were two different triathlons organised, one a shorter course for Irish competitors and approximately 1,000 athletes had registered for each triathlon, with a total of 110 qualifying places in subsequent world championships in Hawaii and New Zealand up for grabs.
The contestants represented 62 nationalities, the majority of whom will hail from Ireland, Britain, and the US.
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Young athletes competing in Friday's IronKids event had to endure very wet conditions as they took to the streets of Youghal.
Up to 700 children aged 4-15 years took part.