Ironman competitor who died in swim ‘waved to fiancée’ before entering sea

Father Gerry Boyle walks in front of the coffin of Brendan Wall as it is carried from the Church of St Brigid in Grangegeeth, Co Meath, following his funeral mass (Brian Lawless/PA)

An Ironman competitor who died during the swimming section of a controversial race in smiled and waved to his fiancée and family as he entered the sea, his funeral has heard.

Brendan Wall, 45, who lived in Solihull in England but was originally from Co Meath, was one of two men who lost their lives in the Ironman competition in Youghal, Co Cork, on Sunday morning.