A 'deep sense of sorrow' in Youghal as two people die during Ironman swim

Huge numbers remained on the town's streets late into the night applauding the athletes ten hours after their first step into water

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

The tragic deaths of two athletes during Youghal’s Ironman Ireland’s swim challenge has cast a shadow over the event, the third time it has been hosted by the east Cork town.

“A deep sense of sorrow”, was how one local, who asked not to be named, described the effect on all who took part, and came to watch.