Grainne Uaile SAC have recently received a prestigious award from the Mayo People of The Year Awards of 2017.

In the 25^th year of the Awards, organised by Rehabcare, Mayo County Council and the Connaught Telegraph they recognise people or organisations that have a real difference to people’s lives, either as unsung heroes or household names.

Grainne Uaile are affiliated to the Irish Underwater Council (or CFT as Gaelige), which is the national governing body for recreational underwater sports in Ireland.

CFT regulates, promotes and trains divers and snorkel divers throughout the country. It was founded in 1963, starting with 6 clubs and has grown today to encompass 80 clubs throughout the island.

Grainne Uaile SAC is based in Ballina, Co. Mayo and has over 35 members of which 15 are active divers and provide for 10 Search and Recovery volunteers when the need arises.

They have two dive boats, along with a smaller Zodiac and have a very well fitted out club house, which includes an excellent air compressor system.

In general over the year they would conduct over 60 club dives, with divers out on Sundays and midweek.

Graiine Uaile will hold their AGM on the 8^th January 2018 and recently ran a Try-A-Dive to raise local awareness and intend to follow up again in January 2018 with another one. Last year they were fortunate to attract 8 Trainee divers into the club.

They also raise local awareness over the years by conducting a clean-up on the iconic River Moy system and for which they received recognition under the River Moy Catchment Trust, which is part of the River Basin Management, provided for under the EU Water Framework Directive.

The current Grainne Uaile Treasurer is Christy Mc Donagh and he reports that last year’s club fees were a very competitive €350, which covers the entire annual use of air and includes all boat dives.

Finally earlier this year Grainne Uaile commerated the 20th anniversary of the death if club member Michael Heffernan, Ar deis Dé go raibh a anam.

Grainne Uaile can be contacted though their website, www.gusac.ie or by phone on 086 7910365.