Two men die competing in Ironman competition in Cork

Both men, one aged in his 60s and one aged in his 40s, were taking part in the swim when they died

Some of the athletes starting IRONMAN Ireland Cork, hosted by Cork County Council, in Youghal, Co Cork. Picture: John Hennessy

Two men have died while participating in Youghal’s Ironman triathlon.

Both men, one aged in his 60s and one aged in his 40s, were taking part in the swim when they got into difficulties.

In a statement, Gardaí said: "Two men were removed from the water by emergency services. They were pronounced dead by medical personnel."

It is is understood that one of those who died is from Ireland but had been living in Britain, while the other was Canadian.

The RNLI was among several rescue services on the scene. RLNI Deputy Launch Authority with Youghal Life Boat told the Irish Examiner: "We received a call for help at around 8.10am. We took the casualty from a safety boat being operated by Ironman at the scene. Our personnel then transferred the male casualty to a medical extraction point at Claycastle Beach.

"Subsequent to our involvement, we understand the gentleman was unfortunately pronounced dead."

Some of the athletes finishing their swim during IRONMAN Ireland Cork, hosted by Cork County Council, in Youghal, Co Cork. Picture: John Hennessy

A garda spokesman said "the coroner has been notified." Postmortem examinations are expected to be carried out on the bodies of the two men on Monday.

The two men were amongst over 2,000 athletes who took to the water at Youghal’s Front Strand at 7am as the 70.3 mile half-triathlon and the 140.mile (226.3 km) full race went off in succession.

Organisers had reduced the swim from 3.8 km to 1.9km prior to the start. 

In a statement, the organisers for Ironman said they were "deeply saddened to confirm the death of two race particpants at the IRONMAN 70.3."

"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," the statement added.

 "We thank the safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athletes with medical assistance. In respect of the families and athletes’ privacy, we will have no further comment."  

The start of the cycle race during IRONMAN Ireland Cork, hosted by Cork County Council, in Youghal, Co Cork. Picture: John Hennessy

Cork County Council expressed profound sorrow regarding the unfortunate passing of the two participants in the competition in Youghal today.

In a statement, the council said: Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of the athletes at this incredibly difficult time.

"Our thoughts are with those who have been affected, and we are 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."

The Ironman event is continuing with over 5,000 people lining the pavements along Lighthouse Hill and another 2,000 at least gathered on Windmill Hill.

Saturday's Ironman half triathlon had been postponed until today due to flooding and debris on the bike course in the aftermath of Storm Betty.

Organisers for Ironman 70.3 said that due to "severe adverse weather conditions" on Friday afternoon that continued overnight and into Saturday morning, the event had to be rescheduled due to debris on the cycle course.