The East Cork economy is set for a multi million euro boost this weekend for the annual Ironman triathalon.
Thousands of competitors and spectators will descend on Youghal and the surrounding area for the three day event which was cancelled for the past two years due to Covid.
Large parts of the town will be pedestrianised and people are encouraged to use a park and ride service in place for the duration of the event.
A children's race will be held on Friday, the half Ironman gets under way from 6am Saturday and the full Ironman will start on Sunday.
Both adult races will end at the town's iconic clock tower.
Speaking to RedFM News, Seamus Heaney from Pure Cork says all sectors of the economy will benefit from the event:
"People always think accommodation providers are the ones that benefit from tourism. You also have coach operators, taxi drivers, shops and the big ones, the food and beverage businesses. The airports do very well with people coming in and out. People take it so seriously the competitors, some of them have come six months in advance for maybe a week and then they want to do the course so they know what they're facing when they do come over."
