In a message posted to its 20,000 members on its website, Triathlon Ireland has offered confidential support for those directly affected by the tragic deaths at Ironman Cork last Sunday. I’m sure all triathletes welcome this as a caring and thoughtful response by the nation’s governing body.

The statement in full is as follows

It’s been a very challenging and unprecedented time for the Triathlon community as we all come to terms with the devastating loss of two people from our community.

Our top priority is the welfare of our Triathlon Ireland (TI) members, especially those who may have been affected by the events of Sunday 20 August 2023.

Following valuable feedback from you all, we have put in place a professional and confidential counselling service for any TI members affected by Sunday’s events.

This service, fully funded by Triathlon Ireland, is available to TI members who participated in last Sunday’s race and their family members who were present on that day. [Triathlon Ireland]

A vigil was held on Thursday 24th in Youghal in County Cork and was attended by hundreds in memory of the two men who died, Ivan Chittenden from Canada and Brendan Wall from County Meath.

Earlier in the day saw the funeral service for 45yo Mr Chittenden in Grangegeeth.