'Disagreement around facts' at tragic Ironman event in Youghal 'unedifying'

Ivan Chittenden, in his 60s and from Toronto in Canada, and Brendan Wall, who was in his 40s and originally from Co Meath, but living in the UK, died competing in the swim section of the Ironman event in Youghal

Some of the athletes starting the Ironman last weekend. Picture: John Hennessy

The Justice Minister has said it is too early to consider an independent inquiry into the double Ironman tragedy but insisted the full facts must be established.

Helen McEntee was speaking on Wednesday as the family of one of the victims prepares for his funeral on Thursday against the backdrop of a dispute over when the race organisers were told by the sport’s governing body they could not sanction the event.