An inquest into the tragic deaths of two males, who passed away at Youghal’s Ironman race in County Cork in August 2023, is set to commence today. The deceased, 45-year-old Brendan Wall, originally from Cardrath, Slane, County Meath, and 64-year-old Ivan Chittenden, a Canadian from Toronto, lost their lives on August 20th last year, each suffering from issues while in the water during the event.
To be held at the County Cork courthouse in Midleton, the hearing will focus on facts establishing the identities as well as the causes behind the deaths. The proceedings will then be delayed for a later date.
Prior to his premature passing, Mr Wall had proposed to his partner only a few months earlier, and had been residing in Solihull in the United Kingdom’s West Midlands. An alumnus of Dublin’s Trinity College, he specialised in manufacturing and mechanical engineering. Following this, he achieved an MBA from the University of Hull. Prior to his death, he had begun a role at Top Tubes Ltd in the UK, stepping into the position of sales director three months beforehand. He had previously worked for a company named ATA Group, a cutting tools manufacturer based in Cavan. Known as a “gentleman”, he was highly respected by his peers.
Mr Wall had also served for a decade in London, leaving behind his partner Tina, parents Oliver and Gertrude, siblings Martin, Joe and Maria, along with his wider family and friends.
Mr Chittenden hailed from Brantford, Ontario, and was a business graduate from Canada’s Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo. He became a senior partner at Ernst and Young before retiring in 2021, having initially started at their London, Ontario office as an intern in May 1979. An avid triathlete, he had participated in numerous Ironman competitions.
Mr Chittenden, a family man, was also known to have ran in the Boston and Dallas marathons.
The organisers have decided not to hold the Youghal Ironman contest this year, referring to it as a ‘hiatus’ to allow for ‘additional healing’.