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On a sunny Friday afternoon, drawn by history and lore,
12 LSAC divers struck for sunny Baltimore,
to view the sunken Kowloon Bridge, with its cargo of iron ore,
and to dive a german submarine, sitting forlornly on the ocean floor.
The Kowloon Bridge sought shelter in 1986,
to effect repairs to deck cracks, they knew they had to fix.
But steerage lost she bagan to drift and finally ran amok,
and found her final docking station, upon the jagged Stag rock.
The U260 submarine is a sight to behold,
within its presence you feel that history unfolds.
48 german crewmen, all rescued and brought to land,
secret documents found floating, of use to the allied hand.
Much talk and anticipation prior to the submarine dive,
dive tables were produced, dug out from the archives!
Bottom times, decompression times, expressions never used before,
never was a plan so important upon heading to the ocean floor.
"Safety is paramount, shot line at 90 bar,
don't mind this decompression craic thats taking it too far!
Ah lads i'm heavy on air, 100 bar is a safer bet,"
Johnny Hassett had heard enough, he went for a cigarette!
Mike Orth was drinking cough syrup like it was going out of fashion,
but remember Mike raised the quarry bar, he is a man of passion!
He arose from his sick bed to make the journey south,
his biggest fear was a fit of coughing that would blow the 2nd stage out!
Johnny Hassett took ill, Matt was called to assist,
Matt said "hold on there Johnny while I go for a piss!"
As part of Matts training, Brian was checking on his facts,
he just hadn't anticipated, Matts need to use the jacks!
Davy Ryans sea legs were left at Limerick side,
as he hurled his breakfast overboard, and wounded his manly pride.
but he needn't have worried as we awaited, in excited anticipation,
Brian & Matt surfacing, a half mile from the decompression station!
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A number of "Pirates" naaahh, divers!!! visited Baltimore over the weekend to dive with AquaAdventures to dive " The Kowloon Bridge and the U260 Submarine. This was virgin dive terrority for some of the group. Some members of the Club have not had opportunity to dive wrecks as yet.
Colum (thanks) sorted arrangements with the Dive Centre.
Visibility was not as good as was hoped, but, in saying that, considering earlier weather conditions, It was not half bad.
So Club members have been getting dived up handle the 42M dive on the Sub. 13 of us filled the boat and but fortune shined as Oisin joined us for the Dives(Lucky number 13 :-) )
Looking back on the weekend, overall, all went well, I think, while the U260 Dive was a daunting dive as it pushes into the realm of Decompression diving which is not advocated with normal CFT diving unless qualified to do so. Dives passed off and thanks to Aughinish Dive Club, yet again who kindly lent the use of the Decompression Station to support the dive on the Sub. I note the Station was widely used was our own group and a group of visiting Polish divers. The station @6M also reinforced safety by providing a 12lt light nitrox mix for anyone who needed it. I think there was a bit of fascination of sitting or hanging off the the bar and breathing of the bottle.
Matt and myself spent 28 minutes on the bottom, which penalized us in decompression requirments, 40 minutes for matt and 26minutes for me. We planned for a 25minute dive, but over ran getting the most out of the wreck. The shot line was at acute angle to the sub and we had to come up off it. In saying that fortunately, conditions were in our favour. I came up to do Pyle stops at 18meters and changed over to my 40% mix to take 8minutes off my decompression schedule. Total dive length was 63minutes,while I was clear at 59minutes.
The dive was good to do, reinforced some lessons I should learn ahead future similar dives in the future.
The Sub has degraded even from last year's visit. I focused on looking into the conning tower, persiscope, time around the propellor and alot of time around the bow section and port side of the sub. Myself and matt were the last to leave.
Certainly, the main talking point over the weekend is how the Kowloon had disintegrated. The wreck is still vast and perhaps a repeat visit will warrant 2 dives on it. It now ranges from 17M to 35M. I think Eimhear enjoyed the visit. She has made great progress on her diving. 2 Dives off her Club Diver requirments. Great progress!!
Hopefully, the diver group enjoyed the visit.
The Dive centre was great, good fills, On site support, great help dropping Divers, Deco Station and recovering divers. I'd like to find alternate dive spots out there, maybe another time.
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Matt took the boat off to Dingle, Smerick to assist with his preparations for Leading Diver. As a result Divers were spread in all directions to avail of the great weather conditions to dive. Thankfully, with a text to our fellow clubs in the region, I was able to accomote those who wanted to get in a dive or 2. In the end Kilkee and Quilty were the chosen locations and thanks very gratefully to Aughinish Dive club 4 member availed of diving out of Quilty. This time I was fit to dive and I revelled in the chance to dive the back of Seal rock and later in the afternoon, the Gully.
The 1st dive was excellent despite the visibility, but, picking a level is easy along the steep inclined reef down to 30-35 meters. The path of travel was a joy to look at the amount of vegetation, and life in the cut outs in the reef wall. Crabs and lobster adorned the nooks, it was a joy to view the blenny, wrasse and gobi. The Spider crab were up in arms for been disturbed from their nap time :-) I left Dave off the hook to a degree, only checking out his Buddy breathing skills and ensuring that he was checking my air contents very regularly. Club Diver test time getting very close now :-) Just a compltee the dry run to do and finish off theory preparations.
The day was great and we lounged around chatting and picnicing with our good friends from Aughnish Dive club who kindly had boat space. The second dive was a treat even for John who despite all the years of diving had never dived the Gully in Seal rock. I, thankfully managed to find it and drop in to it. The best parts of it are really its entry and exits points, there is a squeeze through that is interesting to do, very safe and big, but, as a section of it is closed off, you can peer through the holes/gaps to see up into open water. Lots of crab Lobster futher down in the gully, the location is littered with mussel shells as a result of the feeding frenzy in the area. A torch is advisable for the inards of the swim through. It is certainly advisable to keep to one side and way through, come back on the opposite side and come up to about 15 meters along the wall. Great life to see on the left wall. Indeed, due to lots of air, we headed back into the cave to see some more before turning back again and coming out where we initially entered at 6 meters to do our stop. Unfortunately, the seals were scarce compared to the bank holiday, I was hoping to see if they would be hunting in the Gully. Alas not, but, maybe I'll see them on our next visit!!!
James from Burren obliged us some info on some good dives sites to try out, and a little tour of Mutton and some tales of a particular "Diver" who live on the island.
Joan, Mary & Emma were christened by Martin, but I won't repeat that gangs name just yet, but, just thinking maybe between the Club in the south West region...The gang could easily grow!!
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A few gathered at what soon turned out to be a spot of a bit of jiggy, jiggy :-) ... I mean, Irish music...So Tom recanted his tales of Diving Quilty, the fight was on to determine whether the diving was better in Quilty or Portmagee for the August bank Holiday weekend... Personally, I think Quilty won out, sorry Brian :-(
Then with stealth, Ronnie entered into our cosy group, only to shock our gathering, with tales of disbelief to all who listened. A bit of gossip, oh my god!!!, the likes of it, never before heard by it's audience, the tongues were wagging, the eyes rolling and it was then I realized the "Desert Fox" no.... the "blue orb fox", Ronnie's had struck to unleash his "minions" to seek out more information. So, the news hounds were instructed to go out on the prowl for more information to satisfy the Ronnie's thirst for info. Terms like "getting back on the bike", you will never forget "how to ride a bike", will forever stick in my mind!!!!
Alas, I am not at liberty to disclose the particulars of the "titbits" of information, least, I may come to a cruel and bitter end to my diving career, but, sworn to secrecy as I am, I am awaiting next week's update and perhaps the, freedom of information act, will allow for full disclosure at some time in the near future.
I was also asked to convey to the powers that be, the man in charge, the supreme commander, the big cheese and so, to all his subjects.... Where are the photo's of the Dinner dance?, where is the write up on the Children of Chernoybl and did anyone not wish to recant the events of diving Quilty in a blog. Is the Club falling apart?, are we losing it? Tom, however, was passing the buck, ducking and divin..... shame!!, passing it off to others!!!!
All in all, get the boat back in the water, back to sea diving as quickly as possible, lead me to the pinnacle came the cries, Portroe can wait for me another time!!!
Therefore, as an obedient Diving Officer, I will try to comply!!!
A visit to Smerick/Dingle may be on the cards soon, as Matt is prepping for Leading Diver exam very soon. 2 candidates for Club Diver test soon also.
Johnny & Dave as always are keeping the keeping the equipment in tip top shape. thanks on behalf of the Club as always!!!
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Sea conditions allowed for diving and while burren got the head start out of the block, donal volunteered to cox the boat while a few of us took advantage of the few dive numbers and headed for Limerick Bones Bay for a dive. Visibility had decreased from last week, condition were "boiling", but we managed to have some great diving. I was amazed by the sheer volume of pouting in the area, seen a number of baby congers and 2 pair of Crawfish. Tompots were a dime a dozen.
Unfortunately, I have to commiserate with Paul, Martin and Miriam who packed up after the 1st dive, While the 2nd dive was on Sallys, slighly deeper, it was a great dive. Again, the pouting was all over the over hangs, in fact, I had fun squeezing my way under some of the overhangs so I could get a better view of what was hifing away in the recesses of them. One or 2 of the local Spider crab residents were none too happy with my invasion of their terrority and jumped me from behind :-)
The highlight of the dive was the immense shoal of Coley which passed our way. I would estimate a shoal of at least 200 to 400 at least. Myself, Brian & Emma were trying to avoid keep our torches off so as not to frighten tham and pause our exhalations also. Amazing, thanks to Suzy who was patient enough to await our return after 40minutes.
Anyway, Doolin does not disappoint, weather is looking a bit dodgy with westerly f3-f4 throughout the week, so fingers crossed, we can dive Aran next week.
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Took a side step out of my usual routine to attend the seasearch course over weekend. So the weekend was directed by Tadhg O' Brien Burren SAC and John Breen from Limsac :-) I have learned a lot from john over the years of diving, but, still, this allowed me to focus my diving particularly on what I can actually see and identify in the course of the diving activity.
Funnily enough, I was allowed to change my dive profile, normally I am focused on the diving of my trainee Dive buddy, and while I survey the terrority off the dive area, I often don't really get a chance to actually really look at the dive life and vegetation around me. So, with Emma as my buddy, we wandered off into the depths of Bones Bay(Ennis/Burren site as opposed to the Limerick Bones bay site). That's another story!!
So, now I was able to really investigate the dive area. What can I say, I must miss a heck of alot on my other routine dives. I seen baby congers, I inspected Dead man's finger, Elephant Ear Sponges, seen a Sea cumcumber take a "dump" , A female cuckoo Wrasse was pre occupied with her reflection in my Dive mask. I really noticed Devonshire cup Corals, bib, understand difference between Coley and Pollock and really seen a few Nudibrach's for the 1st time, spotted flounder, and seen a wide variety of Crawfish, lobster and Crab. I was so relaxed and stayed mostly in the same area such that my breating rate dropped under 10LPM for the 1st time this year, so used less 110bar for a 45min dive.
The sea eninemies were amazing in the realm of the 2nd dive Chinaman's hole dive. However, Emma reminded me that I while I was making the effort to show Miriam the sea Cucumbers, Eninimies, and the lobster on the Chinman's hole dive, I failed to spot the Congers above myself and Miriam looking down at us trying to tease it out so we could get a better view of it. All I need now is to bring my dive slate and maybe someone can get me a camera with a nice housing to get some photo's. Anyone, want to oblige the D.O. with one??? :-)
A busy, long, but throughly enjoyable dives as well as rest of Club coming out to dive Sally's Alley and the Limerick Bones bay. Great to get back to dive Doolin, It never ceases to amaze me with the variety of life. I manage to pick up dinner for last night also, a fine big pollock fished off the boat while I was cox'n for the internal club dives. Oven baked in tinfoil, with garlic and herbs.... delicious :-D
Thanks to Matt and Mike who did Dry Cox. Really helped speed up getting through the 4 dive trips. Well done to Eimhear and Miriam who are progressing nicely in their dive training. Also, good training for the Club divers. Can't wait to get back to Doolin for diving.
So Dive Aran on the lead up to Bank Holiday weekend... Any takers?? :-)
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2010.07.15 14:41:47 |
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You probably think this blog is about one of our trainees feeling very sick on the dive last night. It's not. It's nothing to do with the viz either. Its a blog about Johnny Cash. Cheesy? Yeah it probably is, but I'm a yank and that's how we roll.
Last night myself and Dave were in search of "The Cathedral" in Kilkee near Middle Rock. Brian dropped us off at a 13m dropoff near Middle Rock and we followed this reef around to the SouthWest. Our first drop landed us at the mouth of a huge cave. This alone would have made it a great dive. Dave loosing his fin was also a highlight for me. He stubbornly tried to get it back on, but in the end accepted my help. It was funny watching him go in circles for a while.
As we followed the reef away from the cave to the SouthWest, Dave motioned to me. He made a sign for the arch and my heart leapt, that was exactly what we were after! It is a gorgeous natural formation and as beautiful as the picture on the left suggests. The picture is taken by Martin Kiely from Aughinish. He gave me permission to link to his album, you should take a look he is one good photographer! Check it out HERE.
When you swim through the arch you come across an enclosed area that resemples an auditorium. Kind of like something you might see in Athens, with bench's (reef walls) at the sides for spectators and an open air stage (sea floor) in the center. At the back of this room you have several holes that go back into the rock that are home to lobsters, Tom Pots, Wrasse, Spotted Gobi, crabs and other fish. The room seemed to house a lot of life, and all of it larger than normal size. WE did a tour of the room and came across a lobster bigger than any I had ever seen before. One claw from this lobby was much larger then my own hand, not that I got that close mind you, he looked like he could snip my air supply in one pinch.
We looked at each other after doing the first tour to see would we move on. After spending several dives this summer trying to find this spot, there was no swimming away from it. While we were there I counted a half dozen very large white sea fans and watched the starfish gorging on the mussles on the sea floor. I recon there was no life on the floor itself as that big lobster had cleared the place.
Now getting back to the Johnny Cash reference. It must have been country hour on the way home cause that was the tune on RTE1. Mid Week diving has to be my favorite time to dive. First of all its having to ditch work a little early to make the slip on time. Then its the dusk falling on the horizon as you finish up diving back to back, making everything more special to look at. The trip home is usually different as you are trying to make it back before everyone at home is in bed...and maybe a light meal when you arrive starving. I must have had a bit too much Nitrox in my mix cause I was singing Johnny Cash's song as I past through Lissycasey. If you ever get a chance to join us Mid Week - you won't regret it!
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Wow, What a great night! Thanks to all those who attended. Fantastic venue and food, from the staff at Savoy hotel, Great Music. Thanks to all those who attended and sent best wishes and congratulations on the night. Celebrations of the Golden Jubilee carried on until the wee small hours.
Thanks Martin & Aude from Aughinish, Brian Donnelly RDO from Lough Derg, along with Barry Lemasanine and his wife. Oisin Osborne from Galway SAC.
Mike put a slide show together which certainly re kindled some memories of the people throughout the years who contributed to Club operations.
Thanks to Teresa, Emma, Mike Hynes, Dr. Tom, Brian Kearney, Suzy Kennedy & Maeve Callanan for working in the background to organize the night and encourage past members and friends of Limerick Sub Aqua to attend.
We remebered those who were unable to attend on the night, we remember all those who have passed on in life and we thanks all those who have passed through the doors of Limerick Sub Aqua Club and contributed to the Club in any way through the years.
A special thanks to Flagship scuba..... Rory Golden...
Ronnie received some Memorabilia from the trip to the Titanic from Rory Golden of Flagship Scuba. A Polystyrene cup, postcard and letter to Limerick Sub which is much coveted by the it's members. It was deeply appreciated to be received by Ronnie.
A special mention also to Stephie Kennedy who sang most beautifully on the night. The dance floor was kept busy with Natalie, Theresa, kelly and Denise, Emma, Mick Moriarty, Maeve, Dave, Mark a& Louise and so many more...
Thanks to all members of the Diving community who sent in their best wishes and congratulations, Aughinish, Lough Derg, Kilkee, Ennis, Burren, Galway, Waterford and Longford and so many more clubs and members of the Diving community.
The Club's dinner dance had some distinguished attendees that have held various roles e.g. former RDO's,members of the Executive, TC and general Officers of CFT for years (Brian, Bob, Mike & Tom& Colm), Mick Moriarty Curragh SAC - Archivast of CFT, and not forgetting Jimmy Connors from Limerick Marine S&R.
Thankfully, the Clubs latest member held off her arrival until after the Dinner dance. Rose boogied on the dance floor and maybe that encouraged her daughter to make an appearance yesterday afternoon at 2pm. Congratulations to Paul & Rose and the birth of their new daughter Baby Doherty to keep Luke company :-)
Next event up is the Children of Chernoybl BBQ on Thursday evening at 2 mile Gate. See you there!!
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Saturday morning was like any other morning to me as I prepared my gear for a dive in Portroe quarry. Little did I know that far away in a leafy suburb in Newport...a plan was being hatched...a plan unlike any other...Yes Mike Orth was planning, scheming, (and yes, even selective recruiting!) to be the man to find the missing bar.
Little did his two partners know as they awaited his arrival at 11am. Emer had being recruited earler for her archaeological backround (yes, nothing was being left to chance.) while I was the brawn for the operation (well it is obvious isn't it?). Mike arrived and told us his plan. It was discussed with Peter, who runs operations in the quarry. All options as to the bars possible location were discussed including points of launch, trajectories, water behaviour, even the weight and colour of the bar. All that was missing was a powerpoint presentation, cigar smoke and flak jackets.
The plan was devised to do a sweep of the shallows. We kitted up. The plan was changed. A voice of dissent was heard to say " what happened to plan the dive and dive the f*****g plan?" but this voice of revolt was quickly quashed and he (oops!) was brought back into line.
As with any great mission there were technical problems. Once I got in the water my BCD refused to stop inflating due to a worn o-ring. I wished my buddies well and aborted my dive. Do I still get my cut of the reward monies remains to be seen!
On descent Mike quickly spotted the bar over Emers shoulder. He powered ahead and tied a SMB to it for later retrieval. However as he finned away, he recalled the well-known motto of the deep...Finders Keepers Losers Weepers. (or something like that) He knew there were foreign search and recovery personnel in the water (a few polish lads) and he was determined that they would not steal the glory. Finning back, he inflated the SMB and guided the priceless artefact...sorry bar to the surface.
On the surface Peter was anxiously awaiting developments. He hopped from foot to foot on the pontoon like an anxious mother awaiting her teenage daughter home after a night out with a dodgy boyfriend. Ah but his wait was worth it, as Mike brought the bar to the surface and handed it over to Pete. It's fair to say that Pete is still smiling, and maybe even Mike!
I have to say, a very entertaining dive. Every dive in the quarry will seem boring after this search and recovery mission. Maybe a few objects should be deliberately planted at the bottom for divers to go and seek out and retrieve?. It can only improve navigation skills, observational skills, and a bit of craic and banter as well.
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A great weeks diving and craic was had by all in Portmagee. The weather was good and the diving even better, with some cracking diving around Puffin, Diamon Rock, The Sound, and Glin Pier. When a good days diving is followed by good grub and a few beers, well life doesn't get much better!
Thinking back over the week, the things that stick out in my mind would be:
Brians keyfob is waterproof to approx 3m depth...Them Sorentos are some job!
That Richard Ryan can duckdive to 3m in a semi-dry without a weight belt...Thanks Rich!
That Pollack tastes every bit as nice as Mackeral when barbecued at Mike and Shirleys...Thanks Guys!
Dr Toms impromptu lecture on the finer points of Nitrox diving...definately a few candidates lined up now for the next course i'd say.
That when the coxain says that there is "a bit of a rip" around Diamond rock, you'd better listen up!!
That there is no point sending Dave Ryan to the shop as he only comes back with non-essential items like bread and milk, while forgetting the all-essential jellybabies, vital to sustain a divers sugar levels.
That it is still possible to get away with wearing a Cookie Monster Cycling jersey when in your late fifties!!
Until next year!!
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Up to 93 persons attending as of yesterday.
Can all unsold tickets be returned as soon as possible.
Thanks to those who popped in last night to the lough Bar and those who have been submitting Spot prizes.
Great credit is due to Emma Sheehan, Teresa Hogan, Mike Hynes, Maeve Callinan, Ronnie Hurley, Doc Tom and Brian Kearney for working behind the scenes to get the tickets out there for the event. With a little breathing space, the numbers have been reached, the guys can focus on the last minute arrangements.
Don't forget to book hotel as soon as possible if intending to stay.
Please work on any outstanding Spot prizes and get them any member of the committee as soon as possible.
So get the suits and dresses out of storage. Forget the semi's, drysuit and fins for a while. Take a bath in soapy water instead of the sea or Portroe and I'll see you for a great night in the Savoy on the 10th July.
Just taking a minute out to ponder on this event, I am overwhelmed by the fact that it is indeed one of the oldest Sub Aqua Clubs in Ireland. The Club has had it's ups and downs but, Club still has a thriving membership, and a great thanks to all those current and past members who will come along on the 10th July to celebrate it's establishment.
Credit is due to our esteemed Honorary and long serving members, Mike Hynes, Brian Kearney, Ronnie Hurley, Frank Corr, Doctor Tom, John Breen & Maeve Callanan. They have renewed their association with the club on a year by year basis and continue to offer advice and support to the Newbie's who beaver away to keep the Club going. The current Club membership and those yet to grace it's doors owe so much to those who strive to get this club started and keep it going throughh out the years.
I take pride in been a member of Limerick Sub Aqua, I look forward to celebrating Limerick Sub Aqua long heritage and I want to take this opportunity to say
Thanks to all our members past and present for been apart of Limerick Sub Aqua Club.
Best wishes to all those who have passed through the lecture room doors, togged out for Pool training and stepped on to a Dive boat or on to a shore dive location.
Remember the great times, great dives, social gatherings, the people from the diving community which you have met as a member of limerick Sub Aqua. I hope you, as I do, see that it is and has been a privilage to be associated with Limerick Sub Club.
We will toast Gerry & Edel, Suzanne & Lisa, the 2 Mikes, Orla & Alan, Trina and Aidan, Eugene, Finbar, Donal & Arlene, Richie, Oda, Seamus, Seamus, Dave & Victor, the Carews, the Allens, Weitse, Siobhan, Eoin, Charles, Fergal, Eddie and so many more past members that I remember from the days when initially joining Limerick Sub Aqua.
Best wishes to all those 371 + persons and their respective families who have been associated with Limerick Sub Aqua Club over the last 50 years.
Yours in Diving,
Brian O' Leary
Diving Officer
Limerick Sub Aqua Club
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Ronnie, delighted me with an invitation for a dive in Portroe on Sunday. So myself, Ronnie and Eimhear all dived there on Sunday. We took the opportunity to get in, down the ladder on the ramp and exit off to the left side, we eased our way down down to the car and Van. I hopped in to the back of the van, (Effects of narcosis@10M??, likely as I was sure I could get a lift for the rest of the dive??) We then meandered out to the bolders on the far wall and pottered around along that side for course of the 40min dive. We varied dive between 8-15Meters. Ronnie acted as referee for the ultimate challenge..X's & O's with Eimhear across one of the boulders. Great dive with good visibilty with temps varying between 11 & 15degrees. Alas, the X's&O's rematch at the 3M Stop, where I was referee, did not yield a winner, can't beat a wiley fox like Ronnie.. Hard Luck Eimhear!!!
The 2nd dive with Eimhear and John Dunne from Lough Derg allowed our dive group to do a 360 tour of the Quarry. Lots to see and even the big Winch wheel was spotted on our travels. Great stuff as Eimhear is making strides at working up the dives on the logbook.
Mike & Roger braved the day also to take a tour of the bottom. Hope Roger survived the 5degree bottom temps. I hope the goolies are still in tact....
Hopes of a BBQ were dashed as Chinkey was a no show on the day :-( Anyone who travelled in the expectation of a burger, or a frankfurter smothered in onions and Mustard were in hard luck and had to be content with a bottle of water and a kit kat from the Dive Centre.
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Well, as conditions were forecasted bad for Sunday, Myself, Emma, Ken, Mike and Dr. Tom dived Bridges of Ross. Dr. Tom was a surprised visitor on the night :-) but, all availed of some great diving over the course of the evening. Conditions were excellent, but had a great time diving, Mike was chef for the evening, out came the BBQ and the burgers and sausages were flying off the BBQ and Frying pan.
Despite the odd shower, Dave Ryan dropped by to supervise events, and the beer and the sausages went down all too well. Alas the call of the night dive grew stronger so myself, Mike and Emma kiited up and got in for a dive at just after 11pm. We heading for the usual route, wall on the north West side and led the group up the Gully and up to 6meter and out through the other gully out due west., but turned around and back through same path again. The compass went into meltdown on the way back, but, all in all nothing like a diving at sea at night, flat calm with loads of life out.
We seen Congers out on the hunt, plaice, Lots of Lobster and crab. Ken our shore Marshall had been getting anxious awaiting out return. but we surfaced on the hour mark. Lovely relaxing night dive. The haul of gear back up was the only draw back across the slippery rocks. but, we sat down under the full moon's gaze recanting the events of dive, with Budweiser, Wine and Bulmers until the wee hours before retiring in to the tents for some sleep after 2am. Thanks to Mike for the BBQ. The Ghost stories were just the trick in this eerie spot. We'll have to do that again and bring something for a fire next time... Check out the photos on the Photo's tab.
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Well some of Club membership managed to get some great dives over the weekend. Friday's dive on Middle Rock astounded the divers with some great life. Conger, lobster, blenny's Crab, all seen, great dive. Have to do an evening dive like that again.
The biggest lobster I had ever seen was scaring its juniors out of it's terrority. So much so, it strolled right past me and paused to "tell me" to get out of it's way :-)
Saturday unveiled a new dive spot, if we can find it again!!. While trying to find a lost weight pouch, Martin & myself dropped into a hole with an Arch in it and proceeeded to follow a shelf with many inlets/caves. Great dive, from middle of bay towards Middle Rock.
I also had the pleasure to dive with Ronnie. Lovely dive in the same area trying to find the Arch and Shelf once again.
The scubathon ended with that dive, and as photos revealed, the most senior diver of the Club, Ronnie was diving in a group with the most Junior member of the Club, Richard Ryan. Richard has logged his 17th dive of the season so far, a very accomplished diver, putting us old Fougies to shame. Well done Richard!!!
Anyone, who would like to donate a few Euros to support the Scubathon 1 day for Rehab can still do so..
The club membership are meeting every tuesday at the Locke bar between 8-10pm. C U there!!!
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LimSAC as well as the other regional Clubs have been asked to support a regional 24hr Scubathon for Rehab care. Today is the day where there are a number of events been run to support and fun raise for Rehab. So LimSac will do it's bit to support the event.
So the Boat will be moved to Kilkee this evening and anybody coming to dive over the next 24hrs will have their dive fees given to Rehab. Ex member Victor Brown is organising the event and I gather that Lough Derg , LimSAC, Ennis and Aughinish are going to dive in support of the event.
Mike has Sponsorship cards and T shits for participants. Weather, winds & Tides are supporting the cause so come along and join in and hopefully we'll have a bit of fun supporting the event.
Some of us are going to camp out, Bring the BBQ's, de odourant and Sun scream, a few drinks would not go astray also... It will be needed!!!!!.
All dives will be charged at 5€, make sure Torches come for the night dives...
See you there!!!!
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Come on Folks, Get a move on.... Get your tickets for the dinner dance before they run out. We have people coming from Galway, (Inbher Sceine) Kerry, Lough Derg & Aughinish Dive Clubs. Hurry up as time is running out.
Come pick up your tickets at the Locke bar from members of the Commitee every Tuesday night between 8-10pm at the Lock Bar.
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Well, let me 1st apologize as I have missed updating the blog in recent times.
Congratulations to Peter for completing the Freediving Course in Portroe. Well Done.
Well done to John & Emma for passing the Rescue test on 30th May.
Well done to Matt for kicking off preparations for the leading diver. A long path, that will lead to success in september.
Miriam, Eimhear and Richard are working up dives in open water, so well done for the progress you have made to date.
Dave & James will soon be preparing for Club Diver tests. :-)
Paul & Emma will get some reminders to complete preparations for the Coxswain test after this week in Portmagee. :-)
Alas, Club learned that Sean Mc Glynn & Tony Dalton will have to say farewell to Diving. Farewell and I wish you well for the future.
Portmagee Dive week
Club tried out 2 new sites, Lemantaugher and Long Island. 2 new spots for the club to try out and definitely
spots to be tried again. Members also got to dive Lemon Rock. A spot requiring care, but, well worth the trip considering some of the sights and photo's. Refer to Paul Doherthy's facebook site for the photo's.
Some members were guided down to 40m in preparation for the Baltimore trip. A virginal depth for some. :-)
Puffin south kept club diving going by sheltering us out of the northerlies. We had some great diving!!
Having a dry cox for the early dives certainly helped, thanks Ciaran.
Overall, 72 dives were run over the week. some great dives, some great times also in the bridge bar not to mention, Ciaran's Cookie monster top he wears while cycling out to Glen pier.. Have to get that Photo :-)
I already cannot wait to get back to Portmagee next year!!
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2010.04.28 09:42:07 |
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| MikeO
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I don't know about you but sometimes I actually prefer a shore dive. You watch the weather and the tides and when both line up perfectly with your schedule, it's time to grab the gear and head for Kilkee. With no pressure of launching and recovering a boat, a shore dive can be a great way to ease back into the diving.
Kilkee has a good few good spots. Newfee is almost always available wether the tide is low or high. Its shallow and sheltered so any novice can take it on without anxeity. Doctors Rock and Myles Creek are more challenging and you be advised to get an experienced buddy to show you the way. I was lucky to have Paul Doherty and Richard Roche around to show me the ropes recently. We met in the carpark at Diamond Rocks Cafe about an hour before low tide. We planned to drop in about 15 mintues before the tide turned so we would be on the slack. Thanks to the two lads leading the way, we had no trouble navigating out to Doctors rock and safely back again.
Read more...
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I had thought of writing up the title as "Roches on the Run " but it sounded as if we had just a completed a great Coo " A Jailbreak from Prison" .As you are well aware The Great Limerick Run Is taking place this weekend around the city and there is up to several thousand runners taking part in the Full / Half Marathon and 10 K runs .
Both Caroline and I are running the Half Marathon so between the both of us we will hopefully cover the full 26.2 miles. If people are around on Sunday morning and around the town it would be great to see a few fimiliar faces to cheer us on!
Several weeks ago my fitness test was of great interest to everyone on the opening day of the Quarry.So hopefully i will keep my promise that my training for the run will carry us over the line. Enjoy the Diving !
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2010.04.20 21:45:19 |
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| MikeO
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This past weekend John Underhill from Burren Sub Aqua organized a very succesful Rescue course. I was lucky enough to get a spot on this course after a cancellation and I must say it was really great! The weather was perfect and there was a fantastic turnout. The course was supported by many different clubs from the region - a big thank you to all involved.
As a newly qualified Club Diver I was always used to the basics, mind your gear, do your Buddy Check, follow your DO's advice. Now I know a bit more of why you do a buddy check in the first place. The course empasizes awareness, of yourself and your fellow divers, of your dive environment and the weather. Lectures were run by volunteers from the region and the rescue dives were supported by instructors from several different clubs, 1 instructor for each trainee. In order for an event like this to come off - there must have been a lot of hard work from all invovled - with 4 boats running and 4 shot lines in Kilkee Bay setup. I'm looking forward to practicing the skills I learned down in Portroe Quarry in the near future.
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I think it is fair to say" Job well Done" to the staff at Portroe Quarrys . They couldnt have had a better day yesterday with all the support and business from the diving community .Diving clubs from the Mid West and Southern Regions gathered to see the new dive centre. Crew from the Killaloe Coastguard and Killaloe/Ballina Search and Recovery Dive unit were all present to herald the opening. Rescue 115 carried out an official flyover and now has it logged as a dive centre.
Great to see such great support from the club .The Dods Brian and Mike ran a great show.Some of us had dived here in the past and for others it was a new adventure. I dived with Johny Hassett and travelled down the shaft to twenty Metres . I think it was deep enough knowing the fact you can dive all the way down to the bottom at 37m .On a hot Summers day it is still only 4 oc at the bottom so we decided we wouldn't run the risk of a free flow in cold water
The quarry is a great spot for training or any persons going forward for tests.It is an ideal spot for lifts and free dives especially when sea conditions are not favourable . I did alot of training there in the past for the pre regs for leading diver and rescue diver
Hope everyone gets up there for a dive over the Easter or in the not too distant future!
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Published directly from an email from Ronnie:
Re. “The Quarry”
At this stage, with the exciting prospect of the commercial development of the Quarry in Portroe, it may be of some interest to place on record a little of the known origin of the area as a diving site.
In 1980, yours truly, as a diving equipment trader and member of a small diving archeological research group from within the L.S.A.C. heard about a firm based in Pallasgreen called “Location Technology Ltd” which was manufacturing underwater metal detectors. I called to see them and they told me of a spot where they were doing their product testing in a quarry beside the Tubex factory near Portroe. I went out to have a look, (can’t remember who was with me), and remember being awestruck by the amazing blue tinged visibility of the water. As I recall, Diving Officer Andrew Hendrick and Mike Kerrison, were first to dive it. This was truly an adventure because they had no foretaste of the awesome depths into which they were venturing. Accessibility and togging out arrangements were horrendous, as it was then mid winter. Believe me, it was worth it, as anybody who has dived there will testify! I remember Andrew being really adventurous in thoroughly exploring other diving locations within the quarry area.
I can find reference in official Club records to at least 3 Club dives in the Quarry during season 1980/81 and some water sampling undertaken by member Ute O’Gorman.
In November 1999, Dr. Tom (McDonnell) undertook some further water sampling, assisted by Brian Kearney with Michael Hogan of Lough Derg Sub Aqua Club. This testing was written up by Dr. Tom in the Spring ’99 issue of “Subsea”, see copy attached.
Finally, since there may very well be some further substantiated early references to The Quarry as a diving site, I would love to hear of them but that’s it, as far as this correspondent is concerned.
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2010.03.25 16:50:13 |
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| MikeO
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At this stage who hasn't heard that Portroe quarry is opening easter weekend? We have been on pins and needles since the rumor first surfaced on boards that it might be opening. It was on and off again for a while, but thankfully that's all over and it will be officially opened at the Easter weekend.
Having Ireland's first inland dive site so close should be a huge bonus for all the dive clubs in the area - so hopefully we can make the best of it. Anyone with any interest in a dive on Easter weekend can give me or Brian a shout and we will start planning something.
As the weather warms up I foresee a regular mid-week dive being planned there as well - let us know your thoughts if you have an interest in this kind of thing too! Have a look at their website here: http://www.diveportroe.com/
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So yet another Snorkelling expedition was arranged, and this time, with the extra option to dive in Dromore lake. There was quite a breeze which drove a chop across the surface of the water. The universal comment from all concerned was that it was "friggin colder than last week". The dry suit people were getting abuse from all quarters.. :-)
12 people braved the cold waters and logged an open water snorkel. Well done to all, it was tough, cold, especially getting to grip with the choppy conditions and snorkels filling up with water :-(
Well done to those who also snorkel dived. Then for those hardy/foolish enough, the hardened vetererns followed up the snorkel with a dive. Visibility was good, compared to trying to dive in Killaloo, that is.. Watching small insects, seeing a number of "caves" built into the mesh of the weed/grass like vegetation, thinking, what sort of creature could do that?? Fresh Water mussel shells, remains of old trees. The dive/snorkel tested ones fitness and endurance. Nothing like the pool work to accelerate the preparation for it.
Well Done and hopefully all is looking good for hitting the Open Water Sea dive next week. So fill the bottles and fingers crossed, diving iat Doctors Rock, Kilkee next Sunday :-)
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The first open water club snorkel of the year, was also my very first open water snorkel ever. I met the group that were braving the cold February waters at 12 on a bright sunny Sunday afternoon, it was originally to be 11am but Mike and Johnny were kind enough to push it to 12 to suit me driving down from a visit to Dublin.
Getting into my gear required the help of Frank and Theresa, so grateful to you both. Once we were all in our gear and in the water we finned upstream a little and then back down to the entry point again. The water was fairly cold but not as bad as I was expecting for the time of year, it was well above freezing cold, and after the initial shock of cold it really was quite comfortable. I felt as though we were barely in the water when we were getting out again. I felt colder standing on the shore watching the two lads in the scuba gear than it was in the water in truth. All in all a very good afternoons activity that was quite enjoyable, although next time I’m bringing a weight belt, my hood, something to stand on while I get dressed, a bottle of warm water like Theresa had and a windbreaker. You live and learn as they say, and boy are they right!!!
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