May Bank Holiday Report – Click here for images

Achill Island was the venue for this year’s May Bank Holiday with a whopping 24 divers, three RIBs and two compressors heading west. The Club Achill holiday homes and the Achill Head Hotel were our home from home for the weekend. Our plans to dive were somewhat aspirational given the Force 6 winds gusting to 60mph that were forecast. While Saturday was exceptionally fine with clear blue skies and sun, the strong winds mitigated against launching the boats. As an alternative, we travelled the short distance to Keem Beach for a shore dive. Conditions for entry and exit might be described as somewhat challenging – the last time this number of bodies were washed up on rocks was when the Tayleur went down. That evening we donned our Leinster attire (Hilfiger, chinos and dubes) and headed for the Achill Head Hotel to watch Drico, Strings, Flanners, Horgo et al do battle. We rounded off the day back at the hotel where the resident DJ kept us entertained with a sophisticated mix of R&B, techno funk and hip-hop.

On Sunday the winds had subsided somewhat and we headed for nearby Purteen slip to launch M1 and M2 for a trip across to the sheltered side of Inishgallon. While the diving was average at best, it was good to be out on the water in the fine conditions. Lunch was enjoyed in The Bee Hive before returning to Purteen for Dive #2 of the day – the first Irish open water dive for a number of trainees. Congrats. Unfortunately we weren’t as lucky with the weather on MOnday and poor conditions put paid to all diving plans. Thanks to all those who towed and DOD’d and to Georgina for organising.

May 4th, 2009

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