Youghal Ironman double tragedy: Two men die during swim leg of 70.3km event 

TWO athletes participating in the Ironman competition in Youghal have died in separate incidents this morning during the swim portion of the event.

They were both taking part in the 1.9km swim discipline during the 70.3km event.

Gardaí have confirmed that one of the deceased was in his 40s and one was in his 60s. It is understood that one of the men was from Canada while the other man was Irish but had been living in the UK. 

The Ironman 70.3 event, due to take place in Youghal on Saturday, was postponed due to the aftermath of Storm Betty and moved to today.

The two men were among several thousand participants who entered the water in Youghal this morning, with the full Ironman race also taking place today. 

Ironman Ireland said in a statement on Facebook: 

"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 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."

A Garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí and emergency services are currently attending the scene of an incident in Youghal Co. Cork where two men have died at a sporting event, this morning, Sunday, 20th August 2023.

"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."

Postmortem examinations are expected to be carried out tomorrow. The deaths are being linked to possible medical episodes.

In a statement, Cork County Council said: "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 today. 

"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 spokesperson for Youghal RNLI said: "Youghal RNLI were diverted from a training exercise in Youghal Harbour this morning (Sunday 20 August) at approximately 8am after receiving a call for immediate assistance by a safety boat supporting a sporting event.

"The volunteer lifeboat crew arrived at the location within minutes and a casualty who had been taken from the water by the safety boat team was transferred to the lifeboat. 

"The lifeboat immediately proceeded to the event’s designated Medical Extraction Point, where the casualty was transferred to the care of local Coast Guard and medical personnel."