Ironman is set to get the blood pumping in East Cork after a becalmed summer

Amid a washout of a tourism season, Youghal in Co Cork is looking forward to welcoming Ironman back next weekend

Half-Ironman competitor Kyle Roche of Southcoast Triathlon Club with his father Micheal Roche, a swim safety volunteer, with Boardwalk Cafe staff Morrigan Cotter and Veronika Shevchenko in Youghal. Cafe owner Ger Flanagan says he has hired extra staff for the Ironman weekend. Picture: Larry Cummins

Commerce and tourism interests across East Cork and west Waterford are looking forward to some late summer salvation as the seaside town of Youghal prepares to host its third Ironman triathlon weekend in what has been a challenging period.

Up to 12,000 visitors and athletes are expected to descend on the town for the three-day event, with an estimated €6m boost to the local and regional economy anticipated.