The event had been rescheduled from Saturday due to adverse weather conditions.
Two male competitors taking part in an Ironman event in Cork have died.
Both men, who died in separate incidents, passed away while taking part in the 1.7km swim, which was shortened from its original 3.8km due to weather conditions from Storm Betty. It is believed one man is Irish, while the other is from Canada.
On Monday, both men were named locally. Ivan Chittenden was a 64-year-old from Toronto, and an accountant by trade. He was taking part in the event with friends.
The second man named was Brendan Wall, aged in his mid 40s. Wall was originally from Meath but was living in Solihull, in England.
The men were pronounced dead at the scene. A Gardaí investigation remains ongoing.
The event continued, on Sunday, with a 90km cycle and a long-distance run, with thousands of spectators watching on as the competitors take part.
In a statement on social media, Ironman Ireland said they were “deeply saddened” by the incidents.
“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.”
The Ironman half triathlon on Saturday had been postponed until today due to “severe adverse weather conditions” with flooding and debris on the bike course in the aftermath of Storm Betty.
Organisers moved the swim course further into the harbour and shortened it because of the weather conditions.
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