'It was very frightening': Race participants learn of tragic Ironman losses as they cross finish line

The remains of the two men were initially removed to a makeshift morgue in the town, before being transferred to the Cork City Morgue

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

The Ironman in Youghal continued this evening, with participants learning the news as they cross the finishing line that two fellow athletes lost their lives during this morning's swim.

Ivan Chittenden from Toronto in Canada, who was in his 60s, and Brendan Wall from Solihull in England, who was in his 40s, died in separate medical emergencies during the event.