Minister for Finance Michael McGrath has expressed his sadness following the deaths of two men in the Ironman triathlon in Youghal,
Ivan Chittendan from Toronto, Canada, and Brendan Wall, originally from Co Meath but living in the UK, died in two separate incidents in the Ironman 70.3 event.
Minister McGrath his thoughts “are with the families who must be in a terrible state of shock”.
“When two people lose their lives in circumstances such as this, it is important that the full facts are established,” he said.
“I have no doubt the organisers of the event will hold a comprehensive investigation into what happened.”
Finance Minister Michael McGrath has expressed his sadness at the deaths of Ivan Chittenden and Brendan Wall who died while taking part in the Ironman event in Youghal yesterday. pic.twitter.com/MUaT7UuaCt
— RedFM News (@RedFMNews) August 21, 2023
Cork County Council is a leading sponsor of the Ironman triathlon and Minister McGrath said he has “no doubt” it will want a “full account of what happened”.
Both men died during the swimming portion of the event.
“It may well be the case water safety ireland will also be asking questions and wish to fully understand the facts,” Minister McGrath said.