Sea Scouts enjoy mystery tour

TWENTY-FOUR very enthusiastic sea scouts from Tiller Troop of the 9th Wicklow, Arklow Scout Group recently set off from their den in the early hours of the morning for an undisclosed destination.

They were out on another magical mystery tour with their skipper Declan Pluck and his team, unaware of that tour would bring them to the Irish Naval Base in Cobh.

Here they were met by Petty Officer (PO) Valerie McCarthy who guided them through the various locations, including the Diving Section under PO James Walsh and a demonstration of boarding party drills from officer cadets under the watchful eye of their instructors. An outing around Cork Harbour in the Naval Launch ‘Karicraft was wet and wild and altogether great fun. The highlight of the day, however, was a comprehensive tour by PO Kevin Prendergast, ship’s engineer, of the Irish Naval Vessel, LÉ Samuel Beckett, recently returned from the Mediterranean Sea where it was involved in migrant rescue. On the Bridge, scout leader Sandra Hoare officiated at an Investiture Ceremony for the Troop’s latest scout, Riain Fortune, as well as a renewing of the Scout Promise by Eddie Hogan, now aged 81, who was a member of the 9th Aughrim Street Scout Group, Dublin back in 1947. After a hearty meal in the galley, Leading Seaman Seán Kelly treated the Troop to an expert demonstration on the Bosun’s Call, a ceremonial whistle still used on board ships today and by sea scouts the world over. Planning for the next magical mystery tour is already well underway.