Over 500 expected as Athlone hosts weekend Dive Ireland conference
In excess of 500 people are expected to attend the Dive Ireland conference in the Hodson Bay Hotel this weekend. Hosted by Athlone Sub-Aqua Club the event doubles as the formal AGM of the Irish Underwater Council and an opportunity for the country's diving community to gather together. One of the organisers Jim Campbell explained that he hoped the weekend conference would be of significant interest to the general public and not solely to underwater aficionados. The two-day event, on Saturday and Sunday next, March 2 and 3, will include presentations on diving topics, a major trade show, an underwater photography exhibition and much, much more. The diving trade show promises to be the largest ever held in the country and will feature a large number of exhibitors showcasing everything from diving holidays to diving equipment. Among the speakers at the weekend conference is local diver Niall McHugh who will outline his career as a commercial diver. He fell in love with diving as a 13-year-old junior snorkeler with Athlone Sub-Aqua Club and is now running his own commercial diving company. The world of wreck diving will be explored by active deep wreck explorer and photographer Barry McCall who has been part of several expeditions exploring wrecks off the Irish coast, including the discovery of the HMS Curacao in 125 meters and the White Star liner Carinthia in 116 metres. The amazing sport of freediving will be introduced by Feargus Callagy, Ireland's premier exponent. Feargus can hold his breath underwater for an amazing five minutes. There will also be presentations on cave diving, technical diving and snorkeling. And those with an interest in the biodiversity of the marine environment are catered for with presentations by Seasearch, a project for sports divers to help with a biomapping programme, and Sea Shepherd, an international conservation group. Admission to the weekend conference is free for Under 16s and €5 per day for adults. Jim Campbell said Athlone Sub-Aqua Club was delighted to be hosting Dive Ireland for the third time. "It's going to be really well attended by divers and clubs from all around the country. And there will be plenty to do and see for members of the public," he promised. In particular, he highlighted a top-class exhibition of underwater photography which will showcase the diversity and beauty of life around the coast of Ireland. There will be plenty of entertainment on offer too, with a hot buffet-style meal available in the dining room from 7.30pm on Saturday night. A special 'Underwater Orchestra' will provide the music and music-loving divers are being invited to bring their voices and instruments to join in the session. Tickets are €20 each for the evening session. Athlone Sub Aqua Club currently has some 100 members, ranging from eight-year-old junior snorkelers upwards. There is no upper age limit. The group meets weekly in Athlone Regional Sports Centre from 12.30pm on Sunday until the end of April. During the summer, members take part in dives around the country almost every weekend. The club provides training for snorkelers, right up to the highest level of diving qualification available in the country. Athlone Sub Aqua Club is particularly keen to encourage young divers and has an active junior section, members of which will be in attendance at the weekend conference. Those interested in joining can find information on the club's website: athlonesubaquaclub.com Full information on the weekend schedule of events can be obtained at http://athlonesubaquaclub.com/