Statement from Cork County Council on IRONMAN 2023

Cork County Council, as Host Sponsor, has supported the IRONMAN triathlon events in Youghal and East Cork in 2022, 2023 and that currently planned for 2024.

As part of this arrangement, Ironman is the owner of the Event which comprises the races, IRONkids, IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon, and the IRONMAN full-distance triathlon.

In terms of Event responsibility, Ironman has sole responsibility for the management and co-ordination of the Event, this responsibility includes to run the Event with due care, skill and attention.

The responsibility of Ironman extends to providing all Race-related equipment, supplies, personnel (including volunteers and a local Race Director), training of personnel (including volunteers), Racecourse set-up, route determination and design and all other technical and operational aspects of the Race.

As Host Sponsor, the responsibilities of Cork County Council are limited to the following supports: 

  • the organisation of road closure permits
  • the use by IRONMAN of certain Council facilities in Youghal (buildings, car park, public areas)
  • the provision of extended cleansing operations, the provision of waste collection, utilities (water and electricity) and storage areas.

In addition to the above, the Council has also provided temporary, serviced and staffed public conveniences for use by visitors and spectators. In conjunction with the business interests in Youghal, the Council also arranges for a food market for the IRONMAN weekend and, in 2023 Cork County Council provided the lead vehicle for the bike route.

Cork County Council does not have any responsibility for the management and operation of the Event and any decisions related to the Races proceeding, nor indeed the different elements of the individual Races.

Cork County Council recognises that the fatalities may be the subject of a Coroner’s Inquest and is seeking a full account of the Event from IRONMAN. The Council will determine its future position as Host Sponsor once it is in receipt of and has considered same.

In the meantime, Cork County Council will not be commenting further on the matter and we offer our sincerest condolences again to the families and friends of Mr. Brendan Wall and Mr. Ivan Chittenden.