Chairman's Report

John 0'Connor

Once more we have had a good year in 2005, in spite of the poor weather towards the end of the season.

Last year finished up with a trip to the Southern Red Sea, a group went to Marsa Nakari, South of Marsa Alam and some very spectacular diving took place in an underdeveloped area of the Red Sea, and indeed this coming weekend Peadar leads an intrepid group back to Gozo.

The Easter weekend took place in Killary where some very fine diving introduced the trainees and others to the joys of Irish Waters.

Subsequent trips took place to Inis Boffin, Portacloy, Kilkee, Hook Head, Burtonport, and many other destinations.

Some of the old favourite destinations showed a marked decline in numbers attending, The committee have agreed that next year we need to broaden our horizons back to West Cork/Kerry and North Donegal to give our members some new destinations to visit. Indeed we hope to visit Carlingford over the next few weeks. A number of trips, which were planned, failed to take place for a variety of reasons. Dublin Bay diving continued with a huge amount of diving from the Harbour and the clubrooms.

Early in the year we purchased a new (to us) boat, another Lencraft 5.7 mt forever called Babylen.

By and large the equipment was trouble free this year, the fruit of our previous determination to have all the equipment fully and professionally serviced. The only area of problems was with both boat trailers which gave more than their share of troubles, however, all are working fine now.

As ever we have had a good year with many members receiving qualifications as cox'n, rescue, M1, M2, Leading Diver and Club Divers. Unfortunately not as many of this year's trainees did the Club Diver test as we had hoped, but we know that, given the opportunity, several are ready to sit their tests.

The Junior section thrived under the watchful eye of Elena and Declan.

Our one big disappointment was the very poor turnout at the Glenalbyn Pool on Thursday nights. For many people the hour was too late. As of Monday November 7th we will be going back to Monkstown Pool from 9.45 to 10.30 .

Financially we finished the year about on budget, the dramatic increase in fuel prices impacted late in the season particularly as there was as much as 5 or 6 boat dives a week in the high season. Having held our sub for the last 2 years we will be seeking a modest increase for next year.

Individual Reports from the officers will give fuller details.

I would like to thanks all the committee for their help and support during the year and I am confident that the club can only go from strength to strength in the years to come.

JOHN O’CONNOR.

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