The weather was severe enough that the event was altered:
Ironman said the race had been pushed back one day from Saturday because severe weather created safety issues. Organizers also decided to shorten the swim portion.
Two people then died while swimming;
National governing body Triathlon Ireland (TI) on Tuesday night said its decision not to sanction the race because of safety issues was communicated to Ironman before the race began. That statement contradicted Ironman’s assertion that it was informed of the Triathlon Ireland decision not to sanction the race only hours after the swim finished.