A dispute has broken out between the organisers of the Ironman event in Co Cork last weekend and Triathlon Ireland over the sanctioning of the event.
The organisers of the Ironman event, in which two men died, say that several hours after the swim event was completed, the national federation - Triathlon Ireland - informed them that it would not sanction the event.
However, Triathlon Ireland has responded to say its officials told organisers that it was not possible to sanction the event "before the start of the race".
Two participants, Brendan Wall and Ivan Chittenden, died during the swim section of the triathlon in Youghal on Sunday.
On Monday evening, Triathlon Ireland said that the organisers were told that it could not be sanctioned following a water safety assessment.
In a statement issued yesterday evening, Ironman Ireland said that "federation representatives were present during the event and performed their duties".
"Several hours after the swim was completed, they communicated to the onsite Ironman Ireland officials that they would not approve the sanctioning for the event."
The statement said that, on Sunday morning, "Ironman Ireland officials and the specific 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.
"While conditions were improved from Saturday" - when the event was originally scheduled to take place - "out of an abundance of safety, it was decided to shorten the swim course for both races".
Ironman Ireland said that while these events "are physically challenging, the safety and security of athletes is the most important operational element".
"Ironman has extensive and stringent, industry-leading safety guidelines and protocols, honed to the highest international standards, and implemented at events worldwide," the statement added.
In a statement issued in response, Triathlon Ireland said its officials "attended before the start of the race to review the conditions and carry out a water safety assessment".
"Due to adverse conditions on the day, BEFORE THE START OF THE RACE Triathlon Ireland Technical Officials confirmed to the race organisers that it was not possible to sanction the race."
'Life's good guys': Tributes to men who died at Cork triathlon
Meanwhile, Cork County Council said it is seeking a full account of the event.
The council said in a statement that while it is a host sponsor of the event it is not responsible for the running of it.
The local authority has acted as a host sponsor in 2022, 2023 and is due to do so again in 2024.
It said the company behind the Ironman events has "sole responsibility for the management and co-ordination of the event", with "due care, skill and attention".
Cork County Council said its responsibilities include issues like road closures, providing facilities in Youghal such as buildings, car parks and public areas, as well as cleaning and waste collection operations.
It said it had no role in decisions about the event going ahead.
The council said it will "determine its future position" as a host sponsor once it has received a full report on the event from Ironman.
The local authority offered its condolences to the families and friends of Mr Wall and Mr Chittenden.
