Triathlon Ireland DENIES ‘sanctioning’ Ironman swimming race where two men died – as calls grow for probe into Co Cork contest held during storm
- Ivan Chittenden and Brendan Wall died competing in the contest yesterday
Triathlon Ireland has said it did not sanction the Ironman swim race in which two competitors died as calls grow for an investigation into the contest.
Ivan Chittenden, in his 60s and from Toronto in Canada, and Brendan Wall, who was in his 40s and living in the UK but originally from Co Meath, died competing in an Ironman event in County Cork yesterday.
They died in two separate incidents during the swimming segment of the triathlon at Claycastle beach in Youghal. Post-mortem examinations are taking place.
In a statement on its website, the head of Triathlon Ireland said an investigation is under way, adding that officials did not sanction the swim race due to adverse conditions caused by Storm Betty.
News of the probe comes as Michael McGrath, the Minister for Finance of Ireland, branded the deaths as a ‘terrible tragedy’ and argued it was vitally important that a full investigation be carried out.
Ivan Chittenden, (pictured) in his 60s and from Toronto in Canada , and Brendan Wall, who was in his 40s and living in the UK but originally from Co Meath, died competing in an Ironman event on Sunday
Footage from the scene showed hundreds of competitors struggling to get through the swell for the start of the 1.9km swim
Chief executive Darren Coombes said the organisation is reeling from the deaths of the men competing in the Ironman Cork event in Youghal.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Ivan’s and Brendan’s loved ones. The triathlon community is a very close community and this loss has had a devastating effect on all of us,’ he said.
He went on to say Triathlon Ireland officials did not sanction the swim race due to adverse conditions.
‘Triathlon Ireland is the national governing body for triathlon in Ireland, a role which includes providing sanction for club and commercial races to proceed.
‘In our almost 40-year history, the sport in Ireland has an impeccable safety record.
‘For the Ironman Cork event, in line with normal practice, Triathlon Ireland technical officials attended before the start of the race to review the conditions and carry out a water safety assessment.
‘Due to adverse conditions on the day, Triathlon Ireland technical officials confirmed to the race organisers that it was not possible to sanction the race.
‘As there is an investigation ongoing, at this stage it would not be appropriate for us to make any further comment only to state that Triathlon Ireland will provide any assistance that the authorities require.’
He added: ‘Finally, we reiterate our deepest condolences to the families of Ivan Chittenden and Brendan Wall.’
Minister McGrath, speaking in Cork today, argued that questions into the tragedy need to be ‘comprehensively answered’, The Irish Daily Mirror reported.
‘I know that Ironman Ireland will, of course, be carrying out their own investigation to establish the full circumstances of what happened and, of course, the post mortems will take place today and that will feed into the coroner’s court hearing eventually into this,’ he said.
‘But it is a terrible, terrible tragedy – it is clear that the conditions were particularly challenging in the water from reading the testimony of many of the other participants.’
He expressed his condolences and offered prayers to the competitors’ families, acknowledging they are likely in a ‘terrible state of shock and mourning’.
However, he argued the importance of a proper investigation that would establish the ‘full facts’ of what happened during yesterday’s race.
Minister McGrath said he is confident Triathlon Ireland will conduct a ‘comprehensive investigation’ into the deaths, adding that Cork County Council will ‘want a full account of what happened as well’.
He added: ‘It may be that Water Safety Ireland (WSI) will also be asking questions and wish to fully understand the facts and the circumstances of what happened. It is such a terrible tragedy.’
The race was postponed for 24 hours because of Storm Betty which battered Ireland’s south coast on Saturday. However, there was still a heavy swell for this morning’s 1.9km swim
Mr Chittenden and Mr Wall had been taking part in the 1.7km swim portion of the event when they got into difficulties. Both men were removed from the water by emergency services and were pronounced dead by medical personnel.
Footage from the scene showed hundreds of competitors struggling to get through the swell for the start of the 1.9km swim.
Gardai yesterday said they believe there was no foul play and are treating Mr Chittenden and Mr Wall’s deaths as a tragic incident.
The swimmers were among several thousand competitors who entered the water at the Front Strand in Youghal. Some were competing in the 70.3 mile half triathlon whilst others were taking part in the full 226.3 km full race.
The 70.3 mile event had to be postponed on Saturday in the aftermath of Storm Betty. It was rescheduled for today along with the main Ironman event. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
Meantime, sadness has been expressed widely at the deaths of the two competitors.
Phil Harris, a competitor from County Down, said his thoughts and prayers were with the families of the men.
‘The weather conditions changed quite quickly whenever we were getting into the water. It wasn’t so bad once you got through the waves,’ he added.
These are the shocking scenes as competitors attempted to battle through 4ft waves at the start of a 70.3km Ironman event in Youghal, Co Cork in the Irish Republic this morning
Cork County Council has extended sympathies to the families, saying in a statement yesterday that it was ‘deeply saddened over the tragic loss of two race participants during the Ironman 70.3 Ireland, Cork 2023 event in Youghal today’.
‘Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of the athletes at this incredibly difficult time,’ the statement continued.
‘Our thoughts are with those who have been affected and we are currently offering every assistance required to the Ironman Group and all those impacted.
‘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.’
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