The organisers of a half Ironman triathlon in Co Cork in which two competitors died were told by the national governing body for triathlons that the event could not be sanctioned following a water safety assessment, Triathlon Ireland has said.
The men who died have been named as 64-year-old Ivan Chittenden, from Toronto in Canada, and 45-year-old Brendan Wall, who was originally from Slane, Co Meath, but had been living in the UK for many years.
They were taking part in the sea swim element of the event when they got into difficulties at Claycastle beach in Youghal on Sunday.
In a statement, Triathlon Ireland Chief Executive Darren Coombes said technical officials attended before the start of the race to review the conditions and carry out a water safety assessment in line with normal practice.
The body said that "due to adverse conditions on the day" the organisers were told that it was not possible to sanction the race.
"Triathlon Ireland is the national governing body for triathlon in Ireland, a role which includes providing sanction for club and commercial races to proceed," Mr Coombes said in the statement.
Ironman Ireland has been contacted for comment.
In an earlier statement, Ironman Ireland said that the "on-swim safety team carried out all standard safety protocol checks that are completed at every race and determined water conditions were safe for the swim to take place".
It said that due to weather conditions at the time, the swim course for the full distance Ironman event had been shortened to 1.9km.
The swim course for the half Ironman triathlon - known as the 70.3 - is already 1.9km.
A senior Government minister said it is important that the full facts are established in relation to the deaths.
Minister for Finance Michael McGrath, a Cork South-Central TD, described the deaths as a "terrible, terrible tragedy", adding that "conditions were particularly challenging in the water".
"It is important that the full facts of what happened are established, and that any questions that are being asked are comprehensively answered," he said.
"I've no doubt the organisers of the event will conduct a comprehensive investigation into what happened.
"Cork County Council is the lead sponsor of the event, and I have no doubt that they will want a full account of what happened as well.
"It may well be the case the Water Safety Ireland will also be asking questions and wish to fully understand the facts and the circumstances of what happened."
Cork County Council was asked to comment yesterday on what inquiry it would be carrying out into the two deaths, following an interview on Morning Ireland with the Mayor of County Cork, Councillor Frank O'Flynn.
In a brief statement, the local authority said "it did not wish to make any further comment in relation to the fatalities at the Ironman 70.3 Ireland, Cork 2023 event in Youghal at this time" and that any queries should be referred to the organisers of the competition.
Gardaí have ruled out any criminal investigation into the deaths.
They said the findings of post-mortem examinations, together with witness statements, will form part of a file being prepared for the Cork County Coroner.
In a statement on Sunday, Ironman Ireland said it was "deeply saddened" to confirm the deaths.
"During the swim portion of Sunday's race, safety personnel provided immediate medical attention upon recognising the athletes were in need of assistance," the group added.
"We share our greatest sympathies with the families and friends of the athletes and will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time.
"We thank the safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athletes with medical assistance."
In a further statement, issued on Monday evening, the organisers said that "officials and the specific on-swim safety team carried out all standard safety protocol checks that are completed at every race" on Sunday morning "and determined water conditions were safe for the swim to take place".
"Due to the prevailing weather conditions, a decision was made, however, to shorten the distance of the swim as a further precaution to ensure that the significant water safety assets - such as kayaks, lifeguards and medical boats - could be concentrated over a smaller area."
The organisers said this allowed competitors "the ability to swim with the help of a more favourable current and incoming tide after the first 100m".
Ongoing assistance is being provided to the families of the two men who died, they added.
County Cork Mayor Frank O'Flynn described the deaths as a "tragedy" and said his "thoughts and prayers are with the families and their friends at this very, very sad occasion".
He said he was at the finish of the event and that many of the athletes were not fully aware of what had happened.
Cork County Council was asked to comment yesterday on what enquiry it would be carrying out into the two fatalities in the Ironman event as lead sponsor.
It followed an interview on Morning Ireland with the Mayor of County Cork, Councillor Frank O'Flynn.
In a brief statement, the local authority said "it did not wish to make any further comment in relation to the fatalities at the Ironman 70.3 Ireland, Cork 2023 event in Youghal at this time".
It said any queries should be referred to the organisers of the competition.
