War of words over Ironman fatalities as organisers asked for full account of tragedy

Experienced triathletes have spoken of the fear and panic among competitors during Sunday’s event

Flowers left in memory of the two Ironman athletes who lost their lives in Youghal. Picture: Howard Crowdy

Cork County Council has asked Ironman organisers for a full account of Sunday’s double tragedy in Youghal as a row erupted last night over when the governing body told race organisers it could not sanction the event.

Ironman claimed in a statement on Tuesday evening that representatives of Triathlon Ireland, the sport’s governing body, told Ironman Ireland officials on the ground in Youghal that they would not approve the sanctioning of the event “several hours” after the swim was completed.