County council to continue sponsorship of Youghal Ironman
Athletes lining up for Ironman Ireland Cork, hosted by Cork County Council, in August. Picture: John Hennessy
Cork County Council is to continue sponsoring the Youghal Ironman in 2024, despite the deaths of two competitors in the 2023 event.
Ivan Chittenden from Toronto in Canada and Brendan Wall of Meath were taking part in the swimming section of the triathlon in August when they got into difficulty.
Both men died following the swimming portion of the race.
Adverse weather conditions in the build-up had led to questions over whether the Ironman event would take place.
Their deaths brought to 11 the total number of deaths during Ironman events around the world so far this year — eight of those occurred during the swim element.
Last week, it was reported a new investigation into the Youghal tragedy had hit a snag as the US-based race organisers clashed with Triathlon Ireland over the responsibility for the event.
Despite this, Cork County Council's outgoing chief executive Tim Lucey confirmed that the council will be continuing its support of the triathlon in 2024.
He said the council had "considered accounts by both Ironman and Triathlon Ireland" on the Youghal event.
A statement read: "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.
"As part of this arrangement, Ironman is the owner of the event.
The council noted that the matter of a permit for the event comes down to a separate matter between Ironman and Triathlon Ireland, adding it is not a matter for Cork County Council.
The council had previously said its responsibilities included "road closures, providing facilities in Youghal such as buildings, car parks and public areas, as well as cleaning and waste collection operations".
It said it had no role in decisions about the event going ahead.
Next year's event is scheduled to take place on August 11, with a promotional page noting participants can qualify for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship as a result of taking part.
According to reports, Triathlon Ireland has accused Ironman Florida of failing to co-operate with an independent Grant Thornton investigation into the deaths of Mr Chittenden and Mr Wall.
Ironman Florida has rejected these claims, saying that it has twice written offering to participate in any investigation into the Youghal event.
In correspondence, Triathlon Ireland said Ironman Florida "is not willing to share basic written information or documentation and we are hoping this stance will change".
