'Deeply saddened' Laois triathlon club on Ironman deaths
The Laois triathlon club which had many members competing in the Youghal Ironman, has offered sympathies to the families and friends of two athletes who died during the event.
Trilogy Triathlon Club had 14 athletes along with many supporters at the Cork event.
"Everyone in Trilogy Triathlon Club are deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of fellow competitors at the Ironman weekend in Cork. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends of the athletes at this very difficult time.
"We also think of the safety personnel and first responders who worked to provide medical assistance. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha," the Laois club has said.
Two men died during the swim, Ivan Chittenden, aged in his 60s from Toronto in Canada, and Brendan Wall who was in his 40s and living in the UK but originally from Co Meath.
They died during the 1.9km swim in the half Ironman. The huge event with thousands of participants had been moved from Saturday to Sunday as a result of Storm Betty.
The event continued after the swim with a 90km cycle and a long-distance run.
The event continued with a 90km cycle and a long-distance run.
The organisers of the event, Ironman Ireland also offered sympathies.
“During the swim portion of Sunday’s race, safety personnel provided immediate medical attention 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. We thank the safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athletes with medical assistance,” they said.
Triathalon Ireland, the national governing body had told the organisers beforehand that it was not possible to sanction the race, due to the adverse conditions following their 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.”
It offered its condolences to the families of Ivan Chittenden and Brendan Wall.