Cork County Council has confirmed it is willing to continue to support the annual Ironman triathlon following the deaths of two participants. 

Outgoing Council Chief Executive Tom Lucey told councillors today it will continue its partnership with Ironman as Host Sponsor in the 2024 triathlon. 

He said that the council had "considered accounts by both Ironman and Triathlon Ireland" on the events in Youghal. 

“Cork County Council, as Host Sponsor, has supported the Ironman Ireland Cork Triathlon Events in Youghal, East Cork, in 2019, 2022 and 2023,” a statement from the Council said. 

“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.” 

Youghal, Co Cork, Ireland. Image: David Creedon / Alamy Stock Photo

This announcement comes following safety concerns around the triathlon after two men died while taking part.  

44-year-old Meath man Brendan Wall and 65-year-old Canadian Ivan Chittenden both got into difficulty during the swimming section of the event. 

Cork County Council said Ironman is the “owner of the event” and therefore “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,” it said. 

Triathlon Ireland previously said the organisers of Ironman event were told “it was not possible to sanction the race” due to adverse weather conditions following a storm. 

Cork County Council said “the matter of the sanctioning of a permit by Triathlon Ireland” is a separate matter between Ironman and the organisation. 

“This is a matter which will be determined between both parties, independently of Cork County Council,” it said.