The death of an American woman in the Ironman World Championship in Finland on Saturday brings to four the number of deaths in the competition this month

The dedication of triathletes has long been acknowledged, and even after the death of two participants in a Cork Ironman last week, many will continue with the sport, says Eoin English

Members of the public gathered at the bandstand in Green Park in Youghal during a vigil for two athletes who lost their lives in the Ironman last Sunday

Those gathered heard a message from the Wall family in Meath that spoke of being “inundated with beautiful messages and gestures of support”. 

Event to take place on Thursday at Green Park

Ivan Chittenden, in his 60s and from Toronto in Canada, and Brendan Wall, who was in his 40s and originally from Co Meath, but living in the UK, died competing in the swim section of the Ironman event in Youghal

Experienced triathletes have spoken of the fear and panic among competitors during Sunday’s event

The terrible news from the Ironman event in Youghal over the weekend gave pause to all

Cork County Council says it has no role in organising event and provides services such as road closures and temporary public toilets

Two competitors who took part in the Ironman event in Youghal have said they would have wanted the swim to be cancelled, following treacherous conditions that were seen on the day.

I knew the risks, but I naively refused to believe that I could ever be in serious danger.

Ivan Chittenden 'was doing what he loved when he left us', while Brendan Wall was remembered as 'a gentleman'

It comes as Triathlon Ireland told race organisers of the Ironman event on Sunday morning that it was not possible to sanction the race because of 'adverse conditions' on the day

Ivan Chittenden from Toronto, Canada and Meath native Brendan Wall, who lived in Solihull in England, died during the swim stage of the event

Ivan Chittenden from Toronto in Canada and Brendan Wall from Solihull in England died in separate medical emergencies during the event

Not returning home after taking part in an Ironman is not something athletes consider when undertaking one, one of the competitors in yesterday’s event in Cork says.

Huge numbers remained on the town's streets late into the night applauding the athletes ten hours after their first step into water

The remains of the two men were initially removed to a makeshift morgue in the town, before being transferred to the Cork City Morgue

Both men, one aged in his 60s and one aged in his 40s, were taking part in the swim when they died

Athletes who are unable to participate on Sunday “will be contacted with available options next week” organisers said

Amid a washout of a tourism season, Youghal in Co Cork is looking forward to welcoming Ironman back next weekend