Trip Report – Click here for images

Another May Bank Holiday – another club trip under the belt. The location for this year’s trip was Fethard, Co. Wexford. Some twenty members travelled down for the weekend with numbers boosted by a handful of day-trippers who joined us on Saturday and Sunday. The weather remained settled throughout the weekend and provided ideal conditions for diving. Boats were launched a short distance from Fethard at Slade Harbour and most diving took place along the coastline between Slade and the Hook Lighthouse.

Approximately sixty dives were completed and three members successfully achieved Club Diver status following practical and theoretical tests. Congratulations to Mark, Louise and Donal. Trainees, be afraid! Many thanks to Finbar and The Hook Sub Aqua Club for their assistance in conducting the tests and the use of their facilities.

The religious fervour observed in Schull continues with one club member engaging in quiet, contemplative prayer during a surface interval. There was also stiff competition over the weekend for the ‘Outstanding Head Dress of 2006′ award. ‘Outback Chic’ looked a clear winner before being upstaged on Sunday by a ‘Billy Bunter’ number with matching ear-flaps and bobble. Check out the Image Gallery and make up your own mind.

Most non-diving activity was centred on the charming hamlet of Fethard. No trip report would be complete without a brief description of this gem of the Sunny South East. One could easily lose oneself traversing the wide boulevards, stunning piazzas and pristine public parks of Fethard, all beautifully complemented by a striking combination of Gothic Revival and Georgian architecture. Its museums and art galleries are brimful with paintings, sculpture and objets d’art where Renaissance treasures compete for your attention with works by Dutch 17th century masters. A culinary capital of the South East, Fethard’s many restaurants offer a range of European and ethnic cuisine to suit the most discerning palate. As if this wasn’t enough, Fethard boasts a vibrant café culture with locals happy to while away the hours over an espresso while engaging in sophisticated repartee.

On Saturday night, the Templar’s Inn and House #8 were the chosen venues for some post-diving rest and relaxation. On Sunday evening, the club decamped to nearby Duncannon for a meal before returning to Fethard and Molloy’s for a pint or two. A shore dive on Monday, with Peter and John B on-duty in the inflatable, and lunch in The Hook Lighthouse brought the weekend to a close.

Many thanks to all those who contributed to the weekend’s success – all towers, those who undertook DO duty and of course to Leah for organising.

Hope to see you all at Achill for the June Bank Holiday and more of the same.

3rd May, 2006

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