Brendan Wall’s funeral has heard how excited he was to be competing in the Ironman event in Cork last weekend.

The 44-year-old was one of two men to die while competing in the swimming section of the race.

64-year-old Ivan Chittenden from Toronto in Canada also died after getting into difficulty in the water.

Mr Wall had been living in the UK for several years but is being laid to rest at home in County Meath this afternoon.

The coffin of Brendan Wall is carried from the Church of St Brigid in Grangegeeth, County Meath, 24-08-2023. Image: PA Images / Alamy

At his funeral service at the Church of St Brigid in Grangegeeth, Father Gerry Boyle said Sunday was a day Mr Wall was really looking forward to.

“He had trained hard for the Ironman on Sunday and was very excited about it,” he said.

“He had a big smile on his face and waved goodbye as he entered the water.

“Tina and his family were there to wave him off as were his in-laws. It was an occasion of pride and joy that in a short time turned to sorrow and loss.”

Brendan Wall. Image: rip.ie

Family members and mourners follow as the coffin of Brendan Wall is carried from the Church of St Brigid in Grangegeeth, Co. Meath, 24-08-2023. Image: PA Images / Alamy

Fr Boyle said Mr Wall’s family and friends are still in shock at his death – noting that the tragedy had left a feeling of emptiness in the community.

Mr Wall is survived by his fiancé Tina, his parents, two brothers and one sister.

Separately, Mr Chittenden’s remains are being cremated in Ireland before being returned to his family in Canada.