By John Wendt
Participation in Ironman Triathlons has been growing steadily for years. On the weekend of August 18 – 20, 2023, the city of Youghal, a well-established holiday resort on the south coast of Ireland in County Cork hosted an “Ironman Weekend.” As described on the informational website, “Soak up the true Irish IRONMAN IRELAND event, experience the atmosphere of the buzzing crowd as they support and encourage all participants in this amazing display of athleticism. The magical atmosphere is so tangible – just as is the town of Youghal, with all its historic structure, character and curiosity.” It has been estimated that the race brings in over $8 million to the local economy and participants pay anywhere between $360 and $900 for entry fees depending on the package. One part of the festivities was an “Ironman 70.3” or Half Ironman which involves a 1.2 mile (1.9km) swim, 56 mile (90.1km) cycle and a 13.1 mile (21.1km) run which was scheduled to be held on August 19, 2023.
Unfortunately, Storm Betty entered the picture and issued a warning “forecast to bring high winds, particularly across the southern areas…(with) strong winds, rain and the threat of coastal, pluvial and fluvial flooding”. Because of the weather, organizers originally intended to move the swim section of the event further into a more protected area of Youghal Bay. And later, because of the storm and flooding debris the triathlon was postponed. Finally, because of improved conditions, organizers decided to hold the 70.3, alongside side the full Triathlon event on Sunday, August 20, 2023, and reverting the swim course back to the original plan.
There were over 2000 participants in the combined Ironman Cork event. Tragically, Brendan Wall, age 45 from County Meath, Ireland and Ivan Chittenden, age 64 from Toronto, Canada died in separate events during the swimming portion of the event. Footage showed rough seas and participants struggling to enter the water. Spectators reported that rescue kayaks struggled to get out through the waves. One local resident, Jennifer Kirwan said, “So many people were getting into the water and they were panicking – you’re heading into a wave and before you get to catch a breath, another one hits you. I couldn’t believe they let them in.” She went on to say that one swimmer was calling for help from a rescue kayak, “he was waving his hands to get one of the canoes to come over and pull him out [of the water] but they couldn’t even get close because of the waves.”
Ironman Ireland, organizers of the event said, “During the swim portion of Sunday’s race, safety personnel provided immediate medical attention upon recognising (sic) the athletes were in need of assistance.” The Cork County Council said it was offering “every assistance required to the Ironman Group and all those impacted…We wish to express our gratitude to the response agencies involved, including our dedicated fire and emergency personnel for their unwavering efforts during this difficult time…” Gardaí, Ireland’s national police force is assisting the Cork County Coroner with its investigation into the deaths and subsequent inquest.
A dispute arose between Triathlon Ireland and Ironman over the Cork race. Ironman said that “On the morning of Sunday, August 20th, Ironman Ireland officials and the specific on-swim safety team carried out all standard safety protocol checks that are completed at every race and determined water conditions were safe for the swim to take place…Due to the prevailing weather conditions a decision was made, however, to shorten the distance of the swim as a further precaution to ensure that the significant water safety assets – such as kayaks, lifeguards and medical boats – could be concentrated over a smaller area while also allowing swimmers the ability to swim with the help of a more favourable (sic) current and incoming tide after the first 100m.” Yet, Triathlon Ireland said that after their safety assessment, “Due to adverse conditions on the day, Triathlon Ireland Technical Officials confirmed to the race organisers (sic) that it was not possible to sanction the race”
Ironman has emphatically disputed Triathlon Ireland’s claim that they were told before the race that it was not possible to sanction the race. Ironman claims that they learned of non-sanction only after several hours the swimming section was completed which is at the beginning of the race. It was reported that Ironman will begin defamation proceedings against Triathlon Ireland if they won’t publicly withdraw their statement about the sanction. Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education said: “I think being very honest, I think some of the disagreement around facts has been unedifying to put it mildly. It’s really important the truth is established and there can only, obviously, be one set of facts…”
On August 22, 2023, The Cork County Council stated, “In terms of Event responsibility, Ironman has sole responsibility for the management and co-ordination of the Event, this responsibility includes to run the Event with due care, skill and attention. The responsibility of Ironman extends to providing all Race-related equipment, supplies, personnel (including volunteers and a local Race Director), training of personnel (including volunteers), Racecourse set-up, route determination and design and all other technical and operational aspects of the Race.” And the Council went on to note that, “Cork County Council recognises that the fatalities may be the subject of a Coroner’s Inquest and is seeking a full account of the Event from IRONMAN. The Council will determine its future position as Host Sponsor once it is in receipt of and has considered same.”
Approximately a month later, on September 27, 2023, Tim Lucey, chief executive of Cork’s City Council recently said that the Council had considered both Ironman’s and Triathlon Ireland’s accounts and that “Cork County Council, as host sponsor, has supported the Ironman Ireland Cork Triathlon Events in Youghal, East Cork, in 2019, 2022 and 2023. The Ironman Ireland Cork event is of significant tourism and economic importance to the region, having already generated an economic impact of almost €20m, a continuation of which Cork County Council would wish to see…” Ironman Ireland Cork website now states that the 2024 Registration is “Coming Soon”.The family of Brendan Wall, who passed away during the race, reacted angrily to Cork County Council’s announcement writing, “Shame on Cork County Council for announcing their sponsorship and support for Ironman Cork 2024… It seems Cork County Council’s compassion was short-lived…We the parents, fiancée, brothers and sister of Brendan find your attitude towards the catastrophe that was [on] 20 August, nothing short of atrocious.”
