Athletes from all over the world are arriving in Youghal ahead of this weekend’s Ironman triathlon.
Over 5,000 people will be taking part in the half and full Ironman events on Saturday and Sunday, with around 1,300 young people taking part in the children’s event on Friday.
The triathlon is taking place during the country’s second heat wave - but thousands of spectators are expected to visit East Cork over the weekend.
Speaking to RedFM News, Pádraig Hennessy from Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Development says the competition is huge for the town:
"We've been seeing people coming training since February, March, April. Obviously staying locally, putting money back into the local economy. It's definitely worth in the millions to East Cork. Not just for Youghal. Midleton will benefit from it, Ballycotton. It's a massive event for the area. They've landed this week from all over the States, South America, France, Germany, England. It's just been incredible for Youghal".
