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Youghal Ironman Inquest Hears of Chaotic Seas as Two Athletes Died Minutes Apart

The hearing centers on witness accounts of safety decisions after prosecutors declined charges last year.

Overview

  • Ivan Chittenden, 64, was pronounced dead at 9:08 a.m., with Brendan Wall, 45, pronounced about ten minutes later after prolonged CPR during the 70.3 swim.
  • A competitor and former lifeguard described very rough, chaotic conditions following Storm Betty, saying swimmers collided and struggled in the surf.
  • Organisers shortened the swim to 1.9km and twice changed the course that morning, and Triathlon Ireland had not issued a permit for an unaltered swim.
  • Rescuers included a fellow competitor, a safety kayaker, and medical staff using a rescue board, with Chittenden found near the lighthouse and Wall recovered at the Green Hole.
  • The inquest heard that Ironman and Triathlon Ireland provided statements but no direct testimony, and Gardaí confirmed the DPP ruled out prosecution on May 26, 2025.