Cork: Governing body did not sanction fatal triathlon

Both men got into difficulty in the swim element of the half Ironman triathlon event at Claycastle beach

Triathlon Ireland has said it did not sanction an ironman event in County Cork in which two men died, after officials carried out out a water safety assessment.

Post-mortem examinations have taken place after Ivan Chittenden and Brendan Wall died while participating in the swim element of the event in Youghal.

Triathlon Ireland, which is the governing body for triathlons in Ireland, said after the safety assessment it told race organisers Ironman Ireland that it could not sanction the race due to "adverse conditions".

Mr Chittenden, who was 64, was from Toronto in Canada.

Mr Wall, who was in his mid-40s, was originally from County Meath and had been living in Solihull in England.

Both men got into difficulty at Claycastle beach on Sunday.

Ironman Ireland said it was "reeling" from the news of the men's deaths.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Ivan’s and Brendan’s loved ones," a spokesperson said.

"The triathlon community is a very close community and this loss has had a devastating effect on all of us."

"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."

Event organiser Ironman Ireland said it carried out standard checks on Sunday morning before the event and determined water conditions were safe for the race to take place as planned.

It added that because of the weather conditions the swim was shortened to allow "water safety assets" including kayaks, lifeguards and medical boats, to be concentrated in a smaller area.

It said the change also allowed swimmers the ability to swim with a more favourable current and incoming tide after the first 100m.

Ironman Ireland added that its "utmost priority" is with the safety of all its athletes and all others involved in its events.

"We are providing ongoing assistance to their families and we will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time," the organisation said.

It said its thoughts were with the family and friends of the men who died.

Gardaí (Irish police) said both men were pronounced dead by medical personnel and they have ruled out any criminal investigation into the deaths.

Phil Harris says conditions were challenging

A triathlete from County Down who competed in the Ironman event said the conditions faced by the swimmers had been "challenging”.

Phil Harris said the weather changed as the event began but added it was a well organised competition.

“It was initially difficult once you first got into the water," Mr Harris told BBC News NI.

“It wasn’t so bad once you got through the waves and the current was taking you basically to the finish line. But I knew it was going to be challenging looking at it, standing wait to get in.

“I felt the Ironman as a complete event is really, really well run. It’s a good event. This was my first Ironman so I just assumed this was normal, getting in [the water]."

The triathlon was originally due to take place on Saturday but the schedule was disrupted by severe weather over the weekend.

Storm Betty caused flooding and wind damage in several locations across the island of Ireland on Friday evening.

On Friday afternoon, the organisers said they intended to move Saturday's swim course "further into Youghal Bay, where the water is more protected".

However, they later had to postpone the triathlon because the bike course was affected by flooding and storm debris.

Changing weather

On Saturday afternoon, the organisers said the race would go ahead on Sunday after Cork County Council helped to clear the course of debris.

They added that due to "improving weather conditions" the swim course would "revert back to the original course".

Following the deaths of the two men, Cork County Council said it was 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 difficult time," it added.

The triathlon event, which also features a full Ironman alongside the 70.3 event, continued on Sunday.

County Cork Mayor Frank O'Flynn said the deaths were a "tragedy". He said he was at the finish of the event on Sunday and that many of the athletes were not fully aware of what had happened.

He told Irish broadcaster RTÉ the decision to continue the event "was a hard one to call".

"I've no doubt there will be a full investigation and I look forward to the reports on that and that’s something that I ask that they would look at," he added.

"Afterwards, I suppose its easier to make the call, but it's a worldwide event, there's quite a lot of organisation that went into it.

"But at the end of the day, safety is paramount and the fact that they did reduce the length of the swim - it was at that stage they thought that they would make it much safer, because they are very, very conscious of safety."

Mr O'Flynn said the event is "very, very well organised" and he had never seen "so many stewards".

Analysis: A difference of opinion

Judging the safety of sea conditions is not an exact science and it is clear there was a difference of opinion between officials in County Cork on Sunday.

There were also mixed opinions amongst those taking part.

One swimmer described the water as “initially rough but ultimately manageable”.

Another said it was like “being in a washing machine” and too dangerous.

The deaths of two swimmers in the water has led to many questions, but few answers yet.

A clearer picture may emerge once the results are released of the post mortem examinations.