Trip Report - Click here for images

Kilkee, Co. Clare kick-started the 2007 dive season…or would have had it not been for the three storms, one hurricane and a brace of twisters which parked themselves over the country for St. Patrick’s Weekend. Driving down the N67 clenching the steering wheel with both hands, both knees and my teeth as the car was buffeted by 100kph winds didn’t auger well for a dive weekend. The Stella Maris in downtown Kilkee was the rendezvous for many beers as we tried to come to terms with the possibility of getting very wet over the weekend while not actually entering the water. Owing to the strict licensing laws in force, we were obliged to abandon the Stella at 2:00a.m. Our deliberations continued back at the Spanish Cove apartments.

Saturday morning dawned and worst fears were confirmed by a quick glance out the window at a heavy shower of roof tiles. Spirits were lifted, however, by Kilkee’s St Patrick’s Day Parade which both spectators enjoyed immensely. For entertainment we gathered in front of a TV and held our breaths with the rest of the nation. We followed every move. We analysed every replay. We studied every camera angle. We hung on the words of the analysts and experts. Finally the moment of truth arrived – Kyran and Melanie had won “Celebrity I’m A Dancing Pop Idol Get Me Out With A Big Brother Who Can Solve a Problem Like X-Factor On Ice”. We also had a look at Ireland losing the Six Nations. A certain Kiwi’s status as Honourary Irishman is under review following repeated assertions that the build-up to every Irish try involved a forward pass. His decision to back France to win the Six Nations didn’t help either.

A worrying schism in the club developed on Saturday night with Republican PSAC drinking in Scotts while Continuity PSAC went drinking in O’Mara’s Pub n Creche. However an attempt to reconcile both parties was undertaken and good progress can be reported.

On Sunday several members travelled northwards to visit the Cliffs of Moher – an extremely safe landmark to visit during a gale. Lunch was enjoyed in Vaughan’s of Liscannor (I think). An EGM was convened on Sunday evening and a motion passed to re-commence the club policy of making a sacrifice to the Sun God Lugh on the eve of every club trip. In light of the extraordinarily inclement conditions over the weekend it has been decided to sacrifice both a trainee and a virgin per trip. Submit your own joke here.

20th March, 2007

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