Blackwater SAC divers honoured with long service medals
MEMBERS of the Fermoy-based Blackwater Sub-Aqua Club’s Search and Rescue Unit have received national recognition for their commitment and dedication.
Last Sunday the 12 divers were presented with long service medals at the annual nationals Search & Recovery Conference, part of the Dive Ireland International Expo which took place at the Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh, Co Tipperary.
Blackwater SAC spokesman Timmy Carey said it was a “very proud” day for the club, which has taken part in countless search and recovery operations across the country since it was established in 1981.
Despite often being called on to assist the emergency services the unit receives no government funding, with all operational and training expenses covered through donations and by the 24 divers and support personnel.
Their experience is highly sought after, with the members developing their own courses and regularly training other units across the country.
“To be eligible for the long service meals all recipients have to have completed a minimum of 10-years active search and rescue experience,” said Mr Carey.
The first time the awards were held in 2006 eight Blackwater SAC divers, David Carey, Billy Carr, Noel Hayes, Maurice Carroll, Olan O Farrell, Paul O’Keeffe, Denis Granville and Timmy Carey were honoured.
“On this occasion the unit had an even greater number of divers receiving this accolade, each of whom has given freely of their time often at huge personal cost to assist in search operations,” said Mr Carey.
The Blackwater SAC divers to receive long service medals last Sunday were: Elden Keegan, Finbarr Mulcahy, Graham Burke, Gearoid O Looney, Peter Mullen, Eamonn O Herlihy, Eugene Whelan, Finbarr Murphy, Mike Reidy, Peter Whelan, Dick Vaughan and Judith O Brien.
They were presented with their medals by Derek Flanagan of the Irish Coastguard, who commended them and divers from across the country who freely give up their own time to undertake search and recovery operations.
“This was a very proud day for the unit and we congratulate all of the recipients and thank the other members who travelled to Nenagh to support them,” said Mr Carey.