More than 2,000 athletes took to the water at Youghal’s Front Strand at 7am today (Credits: Getty Images)

Two men have died following an incident at an Ironman triathlon event in Ireland.

The men, one aged in his forties and another in his sixties, died during the swimming portion of the event in the town of Youghal, Co Cork, this morning.

In a statement, the organisers for Ironman said they were ‘deeply saddened to confirm the death of two race participants at the IRONMAN 70.3.’

They added: ‘During the swim portion of Sunday’s race, safety personnel provided immediate medical attention upon recognising the athletes were in need of assistance.

‘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.’

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One of the men was believed to be in his forties, while the other was reportedly in his sixties.