Two competitors die at Ironman triathlon in Ireland
By Darragh Murphy & Laura Colgan & Joe O'Shea,
2023-08-20
Two competitors died during an Ironman event in Ireland.
The two men died after getting into difficulty during the swimming portion of the Ironman 70.3 competition on Sunday morning.
Both men, aged in their 40s and 60s, died in separate incidents in the one-mile swimming course in Youghal, Co Cork . The course had been shortened from an original distance of 2.3miles due to poor weather conditions after Storm Betty hit Ireland.
Both men died at the scene despite the best efforts of first responders. Ironman Ireland confirmed both competitors died after getting into difficulty in the water.
In a statement, the organization 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 attention upon recognizing 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."
A spokesman for Cork County Council added: "Cork County Council is deeply saddened over the tragic loss of two race participants during the IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland, Cork 2023 event in Youghal. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of the athletes at this incredibly difficult time.
"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 this difficult time."
A garda spokesman said : "Gardai and emergency services are currently attending the scene of an incident in Youghal Co. Cork where two men have died at a sporting event on August 20.
"Two men, aged 40s and 60s, were removed from the water by emergency services. They were pronounced deceased by medical personnel. The coroner has been notified."
More than 2,000 competitors are taking part in the triathlon, which continued with a 55-mile cycle and long-distance run.
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