Significant milestone reached by Fermoy divers

Fermoy Sub Aqua Club, which incorporates Blackwater Search & Rescue Unit, are 40 years in existence - unofficially, they’ve been around for longer than this. 4 decades plus is a significant milestone and this very well structured voluntary group celebrated in some style at a gala dinner held in Fermoy Golf Club last Friday evening.

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to join the divers for all the festivities, however, we believe to use that well worn phrase ‘a good time was had by all’, is appropriate to describe the occasion. MC on the night was club chairman, Maurice Carroll.

For senior members, they were able to reminisce about the old days and reflect on what continues to be a wonderful success story. Most readers will be familiar with the Fermoy Sub Aqua Club headquarters on Rathealy Road - a base for all the club’s activities.

COMMITTED VOLUNTEERS

When members of Fermoy Sub Aqua Club are called upon to assist Gardai with searches, they do so at their own expense. It’s a similar story when it comes to upgrading their personal diving equipment. In the absence of grants or Government aid, the club relies almost exclusively on fundraising to cover ever increasing operational costs.

VERY SUPPORTIVE PUBLIC

Thanks to the efforts of their PR department, the public are kept abreast of day to day happenings. This, in turn encourages individuals and businesses to fundraise on behalf of the divers. While they greatly welcome this assistance, they are always delighted to work with anyone with a fundraising idea.

KEN BARRY SPEAKING

Fermoy Sub Aqua Club also have a very able secretary in Kenneth Barry. Speaking to The Avondhu following the event, Ken said that the night had been a great success.

“We enjoyed an excellent meal in the elegant surroundings of Fermoy Golf Club. Catering staff did an exceptional job and I’d like to acknowledge that publicly,” he said.

Ken went on to explain about a special presentation to long serving equipment officer, Olan O’Farrell (Olan is assisted in this important role by Eugene Whelan and Des Browne).

“A special presentation was made to Olan in recognition of his outstanding service to the club; the fact that he also has a high profile birthday coming up, was also acknowledged,” Ken added.

FULL STEAM AHEAD

Thanks to the efforts of people like Olan and its committed volunteers, Fermoy Sub Aqua Club is on a very firm footing. Recruitment is ongoing and some very high calibre individuals have joined the ranks in recent times. It all makes for a very efficient voluntary group, who, while enjoying the recreational side of diving, are ready at a moment’s notice to assist people in their hour of need.