Two men have died while participating in the Ironman competition in Youghal, Co. Cork, this Sunday morning.
The tragedies were reported during the sea swimming section of the challenge.
The casualties were a man aged in his 60s and a man in his 40s.
The swim, which was the opening section of the competition, had been shortened from 3.8km to 1.9km today due to the conditions of the water.
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.”
