Ironman cancels 2024 Irish event after deaths of two participants in August

Ironman has decided to cancel its event in Youghal next year after two triathletes died while taking part at the race this year, back in August. This year’s event was the third edition of the Ironman in Co Cork and now the organisers have said it will not go ahead next year.

However, it has not ruled out the event – worth €20 million to the local economy returning after 2024. The organisers said the event was taking a “hiatus” or a “pause” next year which would allow for “healing” and enable them to review towards future planning.

“Ironman Ireland, Cork and Ironman 70.3 Ireland, Cork will take a hiatus in 2024,” the surprise statement issued on Tuesday said. “Cork county and the town of Youghal have become a much-loved home for Ironman in Ireland, and the Irish triathlon community is important to us.

“This pause will allow for further healing while we spend the next year assessing the best path forward to deliver an exceptional weekend of racing once again for our athletes in one of the most passionate host communities in the world.

“We are thankful for the support of Cork County Council, and we appreciate their continued partnership and commitment as we work collectively under our host agreement towards bringing back the event in the strongest way possible in 2025 and beyond.”

Brendan Wall (45), from Co Meath and based in the UK, and Ivan Chittenden (64), Toronto, Canada, both got into difficulty during the swim leg, in tough sea swimming conditions, and died. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

While gardaí in September appealed for witnesses who were present on the day to come forward, they are not carrying out any criminal investigation into the double fatality.

Instead, the Garda has a role in carrying out inquiries and preparing a file – with technical evidence and statements from witnesses – for the coroner’s inquest process. However, an inquest does not attribute blame or liability in any death, instead establishing the cause of death.