Shannonside Sub Aqua Club Notes
Annual Fin Swim
The annual sponsored Fin Swim from Shannon Harbour to Banagher takes place on the
9th of June. Sponsorship cards are in circulation and any sponsorship for this fundraiser big or small is
greatly appreciated.
Membership Fees
Member fees for 2013 is now overdue. Any members that have yet to pay their membership are asked to
do so. It’s important that membership is paid before open water season begins due to CFT and boat
insurance requirements.
Golden Ball Draw
As the Premiership League draws to an end for this year, so to does our weekly Golden Ball Draw
competition. A special word of thanks to all our loyal ticket sellers and
supporters.
Lecture
Diving lectures for new members continue every Tuesday night in the clubhouse. This is also a good
opportunity for One Star Divers and Club Divers to attend and refresh memory
ahead of the open water season.
RIP Kieran Quinn.
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Kieran
Quinn, to his wife Ann, two sons John and Kieran and sister Brendina. Kieran was a former chairman
of our club and held numerous positions on the club executive throughout the years.
Ar dheis Dé do raibh m'anam.
Posted May 15th 2013.
The annual sponsored Fin Swim from Shannon Harbour to Banagher takes place on the
9th of June. Sponsorship cards are in circulation and any sponsorship for this fundraiser big or small is
greatly appreciated.
Membership Fees
Member fees for 2013 is now overdue. Any members that have yet to pay their membership are asked to
do so. It’s important that membership is paid before open water season begins due to CFT and boat
insurance requirements.
Golden Ball Draw
As the Premiership League draws to an end for this year, so to does our weekly Golden Ball Draw
competition. A special word of thanks to all our loyal ticket sellers and
supporters.
Lecture
Diving lectures for new members continue every Tuesday night in the clubhouse. This is also a good
opportunity for One Star Divers and Club Divers to attend and refresh memory
ahead of the open water season.
RIP Kieran Quinn.
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Kieran
Quinn, to his wife Ann, two sons John and Kieran and sister Brendina. Kieran was a former chairman
of our club and held numerous positions on the club executive throughout the years.
Ar dheis Dé do raibh m'anam.
Posted May 15th 2013.
Shannonside Sub Aqua Club would like to express our sympathy to the family of Kieran Quinn RIP (former Chairman) who passed away last night.
Ar dheis Dé do raibh m'anam.
As a mark of respect all club activity has been cancelled this week.
5th May 2013.
Ar dheis Dé do raibh m'anam.
As a mark of respect all club activity has been cancelled this week.
5th May 2013.
Shannonside Sub Aqua find a second period Sword in the river Shannon
RTÉ Midlands Correspondent, Ciaran Mullooly, spoke with club divers John Herrefrnan and Robert O'Meara on Morning Ireland about the two swords, both over 1,000 years old, were found in the River Shannon, Copy and paste the link into your search engine to listen to the full interview.
http://www.rte.ie/news/morningireland/player.html?20121212%2C20125262%2C20125262%2Cflash%2C232
http://www.rte.ie/news/morningireland/player.html?20121212%2C20125262%2C20125262%2Cflash%2C232
Club Diving Officier Robert O'Meara pictured with the second Viking sword recovered from the river Shammon in 2012.
Shannonside Sub Aqua Club attend Underwater Seminar
A group of members from Shannonside Sub Aqua Club, Banagher attended a recent underwater archaeology seminar at Collins Museum Dublin upon special request from officials at the National Museum of Ireland.
The underwater seminar ‘Secrets from the Deep’ detailed Ireland’s shipwrecks and marine archaeology on the
Gerry O'Meara, Dr Paul Mullarkey, Assistant Keeper, Conservation Department, National Museum of Ireland,
Wade O'Meara, Dr Andy Halpin, Assistant Keeper of Irish Antiquities, National Museum of Ireland and John
Heffernan pictured at Collins Museum, conservation facility, Dublin.
Irish coast from the Spanish Armada to the Aud.
The Banagher based Sub Aqua club received the invitation after they unearthed a period Viking sword in the river Shannon last September. Speakers on the day included Mr. Eamonn P. Kelly, Keeper of Irish Antiquities, National Museum of Ireland, Ms. Connie Kelleher, Mr. Karl Brady and Mr. Fionnbarr Moore of Underwater Archaeology Unit, National Monuments Service, D.A. H.G., Dr. Aidan O'Sullivan, Deputy Head of UCD School of Archaeology and Mr. Laurence Dunne, Marine Archaeologist of the Lusitania and the Aud.
During the day long seminar, special recognition was made to Shannonside Sub Aqua Club, while the acquisition of the Viking sword was also discussed by Eamonn P Kelly, Keeper of Irish Antiquities, National Museum of Ireland as part of his talk on underwater archaeology discoveries in the midlands.
At the end of the seminar, a guided tour of the conservation facility was organised by Dr Andy Halpin, Assistant Keeper of Irish Antiquities, National Museum of Ireland and after the tour, club members once again got an opportunity to view the Viking Sword where Dr Paul Mullarkey, Assistant Keeper, Conservation Department, National Museum of Ireland briefed the members on the background and progress of the artifact.
The underwater seminar ‘Secrets from the Deep’ detailed Ireland’s shipwrecks and marine archaeology on the
Gerry O'Meara, Dr Paul Mullarkey, Assistant Keeper, Conservation Department, National Museum of Ireland,
Wade O'Meara, Dr Andy Halpin, Assistant Keeper of Irish Antiquities, National Museum of Ireland and John
Heffernan pictured at Collins Museum, conservation facility, Dublin.
Irish coast from the Spanish Armada to the Aud.
The Banagher based Sub Aqua club received the invitation after they unearthed a period Viking sword in the river Shannon last September. Speakers on the day included Mr. Eamonn P. Kelly, Keeper of Irish Antiquities, National Museum of Ireland, Ms. Connie Kelleher, Mr. Karl Brady and Mr. Fionnbarr Moore of Underwater Archaeology Unit, National Monuments Service, D.A. H.G., Dr. Aidan O'Sullivan, Deputy Head of UCD School of Archaeology and Mr. Laurence Dunne, Marine Archaeologist of the Lusitania and the Aud.
During the day long seminar, special recognition was made to Shannonside Sub Aqua Club, while the acquisition of the Viking sword was also discussed by Eamonn P Kelly, Keeper of Irish Antiquities, National Museum of Ireland as part of his talk on underwater archaeology discoveries in the midlands.
At the end of the seminar, a guided tour of the conservation facility was organised by Dr Andy Halpin, Assistant Keeper of Irish Antiquities, National Museum of Ireland and after the tour, club members once again got an opportunity to view the Viking Sword where Dr Paul Mullarkey, Assistant Keeper, Conservation Department, National Museum of Ireland briefed the members on the background and progress of the artifact.
Pictured is the Viking sword recovered from the river Shannon last September by Shannonside Sub Aqua Club Banagher.
Shannonside Sub Aqua Diver Find Viking Sword
Shannonside Sub Aqua club diver recovered a 1000 year old Viking sword from the river Shannon near Banagher, Co Offaly this week. The significant discovery was made by a local postman John Heffernan.
Mr. Heffernan, who is a member of the Shannonside Sub Aqua Club in Banagher, Co Offaly, stumbled on the important artefact during on a routine search and recovery exercise. The medieval relic is believed to be a Viking
sword that dates back to the 10th century.
The father of three said he was delighted to recover such an important artefact. “You never know what you’ll come across, when you go out for a dive, that’s the appeal of scuba diving. I have previously found smaller
less significant objects, but this is by far the biggest find that I or indeed the club have made since its formation in 1976.
The Banagher based sub aqua club immediately made contact with officials at the NationalMuseum and the sword was quickly transported to their laboratory in Dublinwhere preliminary examinations and x-rays
have been taking place. Dr. Andy Halpin, Assistant Keeper of Irish Antiquities at the National Museum
described the find as important. “The sword found in the river Shannon near Banagher is of a ‘Viking’ type and probably dates back to the 10th century. We have begun a preliminary investigation and it has revealed inlaid decoration
on the hilt of the sword and also some form of inscription on the blade, it’s too early however to determine its full identity until our cleaning and conservation work is completed,
“There is a lot of historical evidence of Viking activity on the Shannon in the 9th and 10th centuries;
however from the 10th century onwards, there is also evidence that Irish kings especially Brian Boru had ships on the Shannon. Therefore we cannot be certain whether this sword belonged to a Viking or an Irish warrior.”
“In either case, this is an important discovery and the National Museum of Ireland is very grateful for the
cooperation of Shannonside Sub Aqua Club in the discovery and recovery of the sword.”
2012 Shannonside Sub Aqua Club, Banagher Annual Fin Swim
Shannonside Sub Aqua Club, Banagher held their annual Fin
Swim Fundraiser over the recent June Bank Holiday weekend.
Fifteen divers took the plunge to raise much needed funds for the
Banagher based club. The fundraiser has become an integral part of the club
calendar with all monies raised going towards the search and recovery unit and
to the general up keep of the club.
The swim began at 1pm at the mouth of the Shannon Harbour
Canaland finished at the Banagher Marina slipway where the swimmers were greeted by friends and family.
After the swim, club members, family and friends were invited back to the
clubhouse where refreshments were served. The club would like to take the opportunity to thank the local community
for their continued support and to all the voluntaries who helped out and made
the day a tremendous success.
Swim Fundraiser over the recent June Bank Holiday weekend.
Fifteen divers took the plunge to raise much needed funds for the
Banagher based club. The fundraiser has become an integral part of the club
calendar with all monies raised going towards the search and recovery unit and
to the general up keep of the club.
The swim began at 1pm at the mouth of the Shannon Harbour
Canaland finished at the Banagher Marina slipway where the swimmers were greeted by friends and family.
After the swim, club members, family and friends were invited back to the
clubhouse where refreshments were served. The club would like to take the opportunity to thank the local community
for their continued support and to all the voluntaries who helped out and made
the day a tremendous success.
Annual Church Gate Collection
The Annual Church Gate Collection takes place 18th & 19th February.
Gate Collections takes place in Banagher, Lusmagh and Cloghan. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.
Gate Collections takes place in Banagher, Lusmagh and Cloghan. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.
Club Notes
Fundraising Table Quiz:
We held a successful table quiz in the Swan Bar, Birr
recently. Big thanks to our sponsors - Board Na Mona, Horan’s Shop Birr, Peter
Fox Pharmacy Birr, Corrib Oil Service Station, Banagher Road, Birr, Jill
Heffernan. Also a big thank you to
John Irwin who done a fantastic job as Quiz Master on the night.
Pool Training: Pool training for all new club members starts on the 9th of January at 9:30 at Birr Swimming Pool.
AGM: The Annual General Meeting takes place on Tuesday 10th January at 8pm in the Clubhouse.
Happy Christmas:Finally the club would like to wish all our members, past members, family and friends a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.
We held a successful table quiz in the Swan Bar, Birr
recently. Big thanks to our sponsors - Board Na Mona, Horan’s Shop Birr, Peter
Fox Pharmacy Birr, Corrib Oil Service Station, Banagher Road, Birr, Jill
Heffernan. Also a big thank you to
John Irwin who done a fantastic job as Quiz Master on the night.
Pool Training: Pool training for all new club members starts on the 9th of January at 9:30 at Birr Swimming Pool.
AGM: The Annual General Meeting takes place on Tuesday 10th January at 8pm in the Clubhouse.
Happy Christmas:Finally the club would like to wish all our members, past members, family and friends a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.
Shannonside Sub Aqua Club Host Presentation Night.
Shannonside Sub Aqua Club Banagher rounded off a successful year when they hosted their annual Presentation ceremony in the clubhouse at Banagher Marina last night.
Club members, family and friends attended the Presentation evening where five new trainee divers were presented with their ‘One Star Diver’ certificates awarded by the Irish Underwater Council (CFT).
On the night, the club’s Diving Officer Robert O’Meara commended the award recipients for the hard work and dedication they displayed over the course of the year and congratulated them on their achievements. “I’m delighted with the progress of our five new ‘One Star Divers’. They have accomplished a lot over the last twelve months and it won't be long before a number of them achieve ‘Club Diver status.”
For his undying loyalty to the training of new members. A special presentation was made to the club’s Training Officer and Honorary life member Derry McMahon.
Paying tribute to Derry’s continued commitment to Shannonside Sub Aqua Club. Robert O’Meara expressed his heartfelt thanks to Derry on behalf of all club members.
“As everyone is aware here tonight, Derry lives in Athlone and travels to Birr and Banagher twice a week during the winter months to oversee pool training and present lectures. Without Derry and a number of other dedicated members, our club would not have developed into a thriving Sub Aqua club and for that reason, it is only right and fitting that we acknowledge his contribution this evening."
The five new trainee divers who were presented with their ‘One Star Diver’ certificates were Piotr Osinski, Wade O’Meara, Kevin Dolan, John Heffernan and Ger Larkin
For anyone interested in taking up scuba diving as a hobby. Shannonside Sub Aqua Club is hosting a Try a Dive night on the 12th of December at Birr Swimming at 9:30. The Club is also running a table quiz in The Swan Bar (Hogan’s Bar) Birr,Friday the 9th of December. All proceeds will go towards the club’s Equipment Fund.
ABOVE
Wade O’Meara (One Star Diver) makes a special
presentation to Derry McMahon (Training Officer) at the Shannonside Sub Aqua
Club Presentation Ceremony.
Posted: 30/11/2011
Fundraiser Table Quiz
Posted 09/11/2011
TRY-A-DIVE
Looking for a new hobby ? Why not TRY-A-DIVE in a controlled environment ? Just bring your togs and towel and we'll provide the rest.
Posted 31/10/2011
Thanks to all CFT Sub Aqua Clubs
Shannonside Sub Aqua club would to thank all CFT clubs from the midlands who took part in the search of a local man in Banagher over the last week.
Welcoming extra assistance by CFT Sub Aqua clubs from the Midland region, SSAC would like to extend its appreciation to search co-ordinator Damien Mellett (Athlone Sub Aqua), Brendan Foy (CFT Regional Diving Officer) and Stewart McMickan ( CFT Regional Search & Recovery Officer) who swiftly set up a Search and Recovery operation of the river Shannon using the Shannonside Sub Aqua clubhouse as its headquarters.
Posted 24/10/2011
Welcoming extra assistance by CFT Sub Aqua clubs from the Midland region, SSAC would like to extend its appreciation to search co-ordinator Damien Mellett (Athlone Sub Aqua), Brendan Foy (CFT Regional Diving Officer) and Stewart McMickan ( CFT Regional Search & Recovery Officer) who swiftly set up a Search and Recovery operation of the river Shannon using the Shannonside Sub Aqua clubhouse as its headquarters.
Posted 24/10/2011
Offfaly man found
The body of local missing man was recovered from the Shannon in Banagher today. Shannonside Sub Aqua would once again like to thank all clubs from around the country who helped out in the search.
Posted 24/10/2011
Posted 24/10/2011
Missing Offaly Man
Thanks to all club members who took part in the search for local man Michael Egan, who has been missing since last Monday.
The search of the river Shannon continues tomorrow morning Saturday 22/10/2011.
All members are urged to attend assemble at the Clubhouse at 10 am.
The search of the river Shannon continues tomorrow morning Saturday 22/10/2011.
All members are urged to attend assemble at the Clubhouse at 10 am.
Updated Garda image of Michael Egan.
Irish Bog Snorkelling Championships
The 3rd Irish Bog Snorkelling Championships will be held on Sep 10th 2011 Alices Loft & Cottages Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. Our committee are aiming this year for our event to be a mayor fund raiser for our local St. Mary's Hospital here in Castleblayney ,which as everyone knows, plays a vital role in the community. So " Lets get Down and Dirty in Monaghan " and "Bring the Craic back " in these dull times.
Posted September 7th 2011
Posted September 7th 2011
CFT NEWS
NUIG
We are hosting this years intervarsity weekend in Kilkee 23-25th sept (provisionaly). If any University/college/IT club etc hasnt received communication from me yet, and are interested, then please drop me an email. Jameskeating@galwaydiving.com. Thanks James DO NUIG SAC
Bag Lost at sea off Balscaddan Road, Howth
Any divers diving in the area of Balscaddan Bay in Howth are asked to look our for dark green shoulder bag.
It fell into the sea on Balscadden Road, between the juntion at Kilrock Road and Balscadden House (the long white bungalow) which sits on the cliff edge.
I am happy to make a donation to the club which finds the bag and to cover the out of pocket expenses of the person who finds it. My number is 087 2848376 and my email address is jbh@iol.ie
Search & Recovery
Our sincere thanks to the S&R groups from the following clubs who assisted in the search for the missing teenager Sean McNair off Lough Swilly. The clubs involved were: Sheephaven SAC, Dundalk SAC, Innishowen SAC, True North SAC & City of Derry SAC. All units worked well together under the coordination of the Coast Guard.
We are hosting this years intervarsity weekend in Kilkee 23-25th sept (provisionaly). If any University/college/IT club etc hasnt received communication from me yet, and are interested, then please drop me an email. Jameskeating@galwaydiving.com. Thanks James DO NUIG SAC
Bag Lost at sea off Balscaddan Road, Howth
Any divers diving in the area of Balscaddan Bay in Howth are asked to look our for dark green shoulder bag.
It fell into the sea on Balscadden Road, between the juntion at Kilrock Road and Balscadden House (the long white bungalow) which sits on the cliff edge.
I am happy to make a donation to the club which finds the bag and to cover the out of pocket expenses of the person who finds it. My number is 087 2848376 and my email address is jbh@iol.ie
Search & Recovery
Our sincere thanks to the S&R groups from the following clubs who assisted in the search for the missing teenager Sean McNair off Lough Swilly. The clubs involved were: Sheephaven SAC, Dundalk SAC, Innishowen SAC, True North SAC & City of Derry SAC. All units worked well together under the coordination of the Coast Guard.
Diving this Sunday
Diving takes place this Sunday 29th May 11am sharp at Lough Owel in Mullingar, Westmeath. D.O.D Robert O'Meara C/D.
Posted 28th May 2011.
Posted 28th May 2011.
Club Polo Shirts
Club Polo shirts are now available for collection from Robert. Payment upon collection.
Posted 26th May 2011
Diver Cox'n Course
Diver Cox'n course covering water work for club members continues this Thursday evening 7pm 26th May and Monday 30th May at 6:30.
Posted 24th May 2011.
First boat dive of the summer
First boat dive of the summer takes place this Sunday 22nd May 11am sharp at Lough Owel in Mullingar, Westmeath. D.O.D Robert O'Meara C/D.
Posted 19th May 2011
Junior Snorkel Lectures
Junior Snorkel Lectures begin Thursday night May 19th in the Clubhouse at 8pm. It's important that all junior members attend these lectures.
Posted 18th May 2011.
Posted 18th May 2011.
2011 Shannonside Sub Aqua Club Sponsored Fin Swim Poster
Thanks
Shannonside Sub Aqua Club would like to express their gratitude to Cllr John Leahy for attending our monthly meeting that was held in the clubhouse last night (Tuesday 3rd May). John was invited to the meeting by the club executive and has promised to assist the club in the application process for sporting grants over the coming months.
posted 4th May 2011
posted 4th May 2011
Club Polo Shirts Available
Polo shirts with club crest are now available to all club members, family and friends.
Contact Robert for more details.
Posted 3rd May 2011
Medical Commission Update May Bank Holiday in relation to recompression facilities.
The current situation is:
If a diving emergency occurs, CFT policy is that the Coastguard / emergency services should be contacted.
CFT Medical Officer
Posted 29th April 2011
If a diving emergency occurs, CFT policy is that the Coastguard / emergency services should be contacted.
- The Coastguard (with real-time medical support from the Emergency Department at Cork University Hospital) will advise the Coastguard on the appropriate Emergency Department and chamber (if necessary) to which the patient will be brought.
- The new chamber in Galway is available for diver emergencies, has been since January.
- Craigavon Area Hospital continues to provide recompression facilities.
- From 1st May, the recompression chamber at Haulbowline will be available on a 24/7 basis with medical and nursing support from CUH and technical support from the Naval Service.
- The decision about the depth and duration of recompression required for an individual casualty will be taken on a case-by-case basis by the team providing care. Haulbowline and Craigavon chambers have indicated they can deal with the full range of recompression issues. Both chambers are restricted in dealing with very severely ill patients who are intubated, who may require special arrangements.
CFT Medical Officer
Posted 29th April 2011
Diver Cox'n Course
Diver Cox'n course for club members who are interested takes place this Saturday 30th April 9:30 am at the Marina, Banagher. Assemble at the clubhouse.
Posted 20th April 2011
CFT Important Notice - St Johns Point
The incident officer has been notified of a potential danger at Cassen sound on St Johns point where a local fisherman, although aware of divers in the water, is driving his boat over bubbles at speed. Please pass on the message to the clubs in your regions, if they are planning shore diving in this area to be aware of this issue.
Posted 25th April 2011
