As the Athlone Sub-Aqua Club celebrates its 50th anniversary, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, Cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council, has commended the volunteer organisation, noting its "invaluable" contribution to Athlone since its inception in 1972.
"In acknowledgement of the 50th anniversary of Athlone Sub Aqua I want to pay tribute to the men and women on the club, past and present, for their vision and for their ingenuity.
"They started a club from scratch and then proceeded to develop it into one of the most successful and respected clubs in Athlone and Ireland. The club is as strong now as it has ever been with more women and young members than ever before joining Athlone Sub Aqua Club, a development which is fantastic to see - the future is bright.
"The fine clubhouse we see today on the banks of the River Shannon did not just grow out of the ground, it took patience, commitment, and a lot of persuasion of various entities, by very many people to make it a reality in the 1990s. Always pushing forward, the club is now embarking on a new boat purchase to help meet the demands of the club and its growing membership.
"On this special occasion for the club, I want to acknowledge Athlone Sub Aqua for the great service the members have given to the Athlone community over the past 50 years. Apart from being a great club providing a super outlet for people with an interest in snorkling and diving, but for the very important search and rescue support that the club have given to the town and its people for five decades.
"This is very specialist work carried out by highly trained and competent divers. Through the years, on too many sad occasions, Athlone Sub Aqua were called upon to recover those who lost their lives on the water. In my role with Athlone River Safety Awareness, I have worked closely with the Athlone Sub Aqua Club for the past three years and I have been lucky enough to witness the work they do, the training they undergo and the dedication they all have to their club. It is an honour to work and train with them," Cllr O'Rourke stated.
The Cathaoirleach also noted the esteem in which the Athlone Sub Aqua Club is held amongst peer organisations throughout the country.
"As a town we should also be very proud of the way Athlone Sub Aqua has represented Athlone on its various training diving trips around the country and the support it has given to so many diving clubs around Ireland down through the years.
"Athlone's reputation has been enhanced in a very positive and enduring way thanks to Athlone Sub Aqua Club. The club is regarded as one of the leading sub aqua clubs in the country. It has a reputation for being co-operative with other clubs and for being thoroughly professional.
"On behalf of Westmeath County Council and the people of Athlone I want to thank Athlone Sub Aqua Club for it's service to the town over the course of the past 50 years and I would like to wish the club every success in the future," Cllr O'Rourke concluded.
