Mullingar Sub Aqua Club

Diving for our recent Bank Holiday Weekend took us to Dingle to get acquainted with Fungi the famous tame dolphin. While weather conditions were not favorable both Fungi and a large number of members braved the elements to dive both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's first dive took place on Crow Rock amid slight swells. Underwater conditions were not good and descriptions as "hand in front of the face" were used by all divers. Local knowledge aided our second dive as we ventured west past Ventry Harbour to Parkmore Point. Underwater conditions were much clearer and a good amount of sea life accompanied our divers underwater.Overnight weather conditions got worse but not to be deterred all Mullingar divers arrived bright and early at the pier. Even Darya and her "giggi" feet arrived full of smiles. Local knowledge was sought again and we headed for "Lacateer" an underwater rock shelf in the middle of the bay. Opinions were different as to the exact pin point location of Lacateer and after much searching we eventually agreed on the dive site.By this stage some club members in the boats were taking a sneak preview of the dive site over the edge of the pontoons. I think some were also cheating by feeding the fish in the hope of attracting larger marine life! Lads this is strictly forbidden under club rules, even if you have a very good breakfast to give to the fish. Ha ha.Underwater conditions on Lacateer we similar ton Red Sea conditions! Clear vis was present amid an array of large boulders and rocks. A large number of cracks and crevices were awash with sea life such as crabs, crayfish and dogfish. One of these dog fish took a fancy to our D.O and even rolled over for a tickle. Refreshments were provided by Sinead and Aisling upon our return to the pier. Many thanks to both and all members are glad ye traveled for the weekend.Our second dive was on Lacateer with similar conditions (even including the fish feed) reported by all divers. Thanks to Dingle dive centre for all helpful local knowledge and any assistance provided.Monday morning arrived and numbers were scarce with a few having headed for home and a few others having overindulged the night before. Rumors have it that the E.O asked about breakfast and was told where to go!Think it will be the same in Australia?All that aside only the brave and the bold arrived that morning to dive. Rez had vivaciously recovered from his bad dose of indigestion which caused a rapid loss of his appetite in the restaurant the night before! Four of our dive group took to the water at Crow Rock. Neil as always provided much needed cover as dry coxswain. Gary, Luke, John and Rez all noted the large flock of seagulls that had gathered when they all surfaced after a brief dive. Underwater conditions were not great with soupy conditions encountered by both dive groups.CongratulationsWell done to Albert Boyd on completing his coxn test. Reports from all are that he put in a perfect display of seamanship. Athlone sub aqua reports no boulder damage to their boat! Congratulations to Colin Alyward and Gerry Egan who both successfully passed their club diver test.Well done to both Neil and Enda on completing the 4 peaks challenge. Neil suffered a recurrence of an old hurling injury that cut short his club and intercounty career.Get well wishes are offered to Neil! Well done to Enda who carried on despite painful injuries. Elaine reports that he needed a lot of TLC upon his return. I don't know if the TLC was for the feet or self inflicted injuries to his head.Happy BirthdayRecent birthday celebrations occurred in Danny Byrne's for our Training Officer Neil. A great night was had by all, even if the "vis" got worse as the night progressed. Rumors have it that Neil was spotted on bended knee, but he fell over before his slurred speech could be understood. Lucky Sara! Of course Neil has no recollection of any such events and blames Dave Kelly for "the nail in the coffin".Bon VoyageBest wishes to Gary and Aisling who are headed to Australia shortly. Gary has been our Equipments Officer for the past year and previously served as Diving Officer. Don't forget to pack the regs and jacket first. All other travel items are not regarded as essentials. (That includes Aisling's make up rugsack).Gary has to be also credited with getting our Nitrox Blending Panel up and running. This panel will enable all divers within the club to dive on EAN. The use of Nitrox has become widespread and all divers within the club can enjoy the benefits of safer diving. Anyone wishing to dive using Nitrox must complete the relevant course. Please contact the D.O for details.Club Flag DayOur annual club flag day was held recently. This was our annual fundraiser and was well supported by the public. Many thanks to all who donated generously.Thanks to all business people who allowed us the use of their premises. Thanks to all club members who gave up their time and helped out over the two days both in collecting and counting.Safety Cover for Mullingar TriathlonCoverage for the 1500m swim section of the CK Triathlon which takes place at Lilliput on the 15th is been provided by our club boat. Over 300 competitors will be present. Help will be required to provide cover for this event. Any members that are available from 9am please contact our D.O or PRO for details.