A man has died while competing in the Gael Force West event, which involves cycling, kayaking and running in the Galway-Mayo region.
The event organisers confirmed one of the participants had
fallen ill and died in the Maumturk mountains in Co Galway.
The man who died has been named as Carl Dempsey, a
married father of four in his 40s from Dublin. His wife Lorraine, the interim
chief executive of Inclusion Ireland, paid tribute to him on social media.
Related News
“My heart has been left on the top of Croagh Patrick, never to come down again,” she said. “I would like to think @carl_dempsey got to the top of the mountain and felt elated before his heart stopped during Gaelforce. Thank you to everyone who tried to keep his heart going. He is gone from us.”
Advertisement
Gael Force West also issued a statement confirming one of the participants had died and outlining efforts to save him when he fell ill yesterday.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of a competitor
at Gaelforce West,” the organisers said, adding it would not release any
details of the deceased.
“At 12:21 race control was notified that a competitor had
become ill on the final section of the race route. The event marshals responded
to the scene immediately.
“The emergency plan was activated and the emergency
services, including helicopter support, were called to the scene. Despite all
of the care given to the competitor he did not survive. The competitor’s next
of kin have been notified.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family
of the competitor and ask that their privacy is respected at this time.”
Gael Force West is an adventure race with the first leg a 13.5km beach, trail and road run followed by 1km of kayaking at Killary Fjord with a 35km bike ride.
Topics
