LAST UPDATE | 22 Aug 2023
THE ORGANISERS OF the Ironman race where two men died at the weekend has claimed that it was informed of Triathlon Ireland’s decision not to sanction the swim race only after it had taken place.
The governing body, however, insists that it informed organisers beforehand that it could not sanction the race.
Brendan Wall and Ivan Chittenden died in separate incidents during the 1.9km swim section of the Ironman event on Claycastle Beach in Youghal on Sunday morning.
The deaths are being treated as tragedies.
In a statement yesterday, Triathlon Ireland‘s CEO Darren Coombes said that they did not sanction the race.
The governing body for triathlon in Ireland said that their technical officials attended before the start of the event in Youghal on Sunday to review the conditions and to carry out a 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,” the body said.
“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.”
The Ironman Group, however, has claimed in a new statement this evening that it was only told the governing body would not sanction the event several hours after the swim was completed.
“Ironman has extensive and stringent, industry-leading safety guidelines and protocols, honed to the highest international standards, and implemented at events worldwide,” the statement said.
“Weather conditions for this past weekend’s Ironman Ireland, Cork and Ironman 70.3 Ireland, Cork were monitored carefully. On Saturday morning, Ironman Ireland officials and swim safety experts declared the swim course unsuitable for racing and decided to reschedule the Ironman 70.3 triathlon for Sunday, alongside Ironman Ireland, Cork to provide a safer race for athletes.
“On the morning of Sunday 20 August, Ironman Ireland officials and the specific on-swim safety team carried out all standard safety protocol checks that are completed at every race and determined water conditions were safe for the swim to take place. While conditions were improved from Saturday, out of an abundance of safety, it was decided to shorten the swim course for both races. ”
The organisers said that they work in collaboration with national federations for triathlons around the world as they organise over 150 Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events annually. The relevant body in Ireland is Triathlon Ireland.
“As such, federation representatives were present during the event and performed their duties. Several hours after the swim was completed, they communicated to the onsite Ironman Ireland officials that they would not approve the sanctioning for the event,” the organisers’ statement said.
“Our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends of the two athletes who passed.”
Triathlon Ireland then issued a statement in response, saying: “For the Ironman Cork event, in line with normal practice, Triathlon Ireland Technical Officials attended before the start of the race to review the conditions and carry out a water safety assessment.”
“Due to adverse conditions on the day, before the start of the race Triathlon Ireland Technical Officials confirmed to the race organisers that it was not possible to sanction the race,” the body said.
Cork City Council has said it will determine its future position as host sponsor of Ironman once it receives a full account of the event which saw two participants die on Sunday.
In a statement earlier today, Cork County Council, which is currently the event’s host sponsor, said it “does not have any responsibility for the management and operation of the event and any decisions related to the races proceedings, nor indeed the different elements of the individual races”.
“Cork County Council recognises that the fatalities may be the subject of a Coroner’s inquest and is seeking a full account of the event from Ironman,” the council said.
“The council will determine its future position as host sponsor once it is in receipt of and has considered same,” it said.
“In the meantime, Cork County Council will not be commenting further on the matter and we offer our sincerest condolences again to the families and friends of Mr Brendan Wall and Mr Ivan Chittenden.”
Cork County Council has supported the Ironman triathlon events in Youghal and east Cork last year, this year and “that currently planned for 2024″.
In its statement today, the council said that as part of this arrangement, Ironman is the “owner of the event” which comprises the races, Ironkids, Ironman 70.3 triathlon and the Ironman full-distance triathlon.
The council said that in terms of event responsibility, Ironman has “sole responsibility” for its “management and co-ordination”.
“This responsibility includes to run the event with due care, skill and attention,” the council said.
“The responsibility of Ironman extends to providing all race-related equipment, supplies, personnel (including volunteers and a local race director), training of personnel (including volunteers), racecourse set-up, route determination and design and all other technical operational aspects of the race,” it said.
Cork County Council said that as host sponsor, its responsibilities are limited to:
The council said it has also provided temporary, services and staffed public conveniences for use by visitors and spectators. It also arranges a food market for the event weekend and provides the lead vehicle for the bike route.
With reporting by Emer Moreau, Eimer McAuley, Lauren Boland and Olivia Kelleher
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