A verdict of accidental death has been returned in the case of 64-year-old Ivan Chittenden, who was one of two people who drown during an Ironman event in Co Cork in August 2023.
A decision on a verdict in the case of 45-year-old Brendan Wall, who was originally from Co Meath, has been adjourned until next week so that arrangements can be made to hear from a witness who Coroner Frank O'Connell described as being "the most important witness" when it comes to his drowning.
Meanwhile, a seasoned yacht master who helped design the Ironman course and oversaw safety supports has told the inquest into the deaths of the two competitors that he was satisfied "in his own heart" that it was safe for the swim to go ahead.
Canadian Ivan Chittenden from Brantford, Ontario and Mr Wall died in separate incidents during the Ironman 70.3 (half Ironman) in Youghal on Sunday, 20 August 2023.
Both died of acute cardio respiratory failure due to drowning, the Coroner's Court heard when it opened briefly in July 2024 to issue death certificates.
John Innes told Cork County Coroner Frank O'Connell that the half triathlon had been cancelled from the day before because of the impact of Storm Betty, but the wind had dropped overnight and a decision was taken at first light for both races to go ahead.
He told the coroner that the sea was "flat beyond the initial rolling waves - about 50 or 60 metres out - and calm for the reminder of the course".
He said there were a number of delays in the event starting due to athletes arriving late and the course was shortened to take account of the sea current.
He told the inquest he was aware that the weather was to worsen after 9.30am and they were "operating in a window".
He is among 15 witnesses who will give evidence at the inquest.
At the outset, the coroner said he will not be adjudicating on the disagreement which subsequently broke out between the organisers IRONMAN and the Triathlon Ireland.
However, Ciaran Lewis, Senior Counsel for the Wall family, said that given the race was not sanctioned by Triathlon Ireland, and those who took part were not insured, the coroner would have to make recommendations, to which the coroner responded that "he may well do".
Earlier, Coroner O'Connell opened the inquest with the playing of a compilation of video material obtained by gardaí following a public appeal.
He said it would be for everyone to see the conditions, the weather, the sea and the crowd at the event.
Det Sgt Ger O'Shaughnessy then outlined the garda investigation in the aftermath of the tragedies.
He said a file was prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions and they were advised on 26 May 2025 that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute any individual in connection with the deaths.
He accepted that following a reduction in the length of the swimming course for both the half and full triathlon, there may have been some confusion as swimmers entered the water.
In response to a question from Senior Counsel Lorraine O'Sullivan, for Mr Chittenden's family, Mr Lewis said they were aware that the weather was to worsen after 9.30am and they were "operating in a window".
