Diving in Banagher
Founded in 2021, Offaly Sub Aqua Club is a community organisation that promotes the sport of scuba diving and snorkelling in the heart of Ireland. Based in Banagher, Co. Offaly on the banks of the River Shannon, many of the members of Offaly SAC are long-standing affiliate members of Diving Ireland (Comhairle Fó-Thuinn - CFT, formerly the Irish Underwater Council). Our diving members are trained and certified to a CMAS International Diver Training Standard.
Scuba for everyone
Our club actively dives and engages with the diving community, sharing our knowledge and experience with divers and non-divers of all ages. Our members meet regularly to train and to explore the depths of the River Shannon and other bodies of water both in and around Ireland and far abroad. We always have fun and we've discovered ancient treasures on occasion too!
Working with the community
As an active club, Offaly SAC regularly runs a snorkelling school from our waterside clubhouse, where our members teach and supervise young snorkellers. Every January we hold a Try-a Dive” session where members of the public interested in checking-out our sport can experience scuba diving in a sheltered swimming pool environment. Those who wish to pursue the sport then engage in pool training followed by outdoor training and lectures as they progress to the CMAS One Star Diver qualification. Our experienced scuba divers also work with An Garda Síochana, and the Irish Coast Guard on occasion to offer assistance in search and recovery.
Get involved!
We’re always keen to engage new people and get involved with the community. If you’re interested in learning more about our club or just want to say hi, you can email us or find us through social media. All our contact details are below.
Offaly SAC is affiliated with:
2024 Committee
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Chairman
Barry Loughnane -
Secretary
Eamonn O’Toole -
Treasurer
Fergal Coghlan -
Diving Officer
Noel Guerin -
Training Officer
John Heffernan -
Equipment Officer
Andrew Lynam -
Safety Officer
Mark Conroy -
Snorkelling Officer
John Forrestal
Offaly Search and Recovery
Many of our divers are active in Offaly Search and Recovery. You can learn more about this club on the Offaly Search and Recovery page.”
Donate to Offaly Search and Recovery
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Your Questions
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+ How do I become an OSAC member?
That's great that you're interested in joining our diving club! Simply get in touch with us through email or through one of our social media channels and we'd be glad to walk you through what's involved. We organise regular scuba diver training each year, where we'll start you off with a try-a-dive session in our local swimming pool. We want to make sure you're comfortable with the sport and for you to get a feel for what to expect - before diving in too deep!
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+ How long does it take to to become an OSAC scuba diver?
We organise regular scuba diver training each year. You'll need to be competent swimmer and once you pass a try-a-dive session (to ensure you're comfortable with the sport), you are then ready to be considered as a member. We'll work closely with you throughout a confined water training for 7-10 weeks in our local swimming pool, with open water training to follow (usually in the River Shannon). We're affiliated with Diving Ireland and CMAS and all our training standards follow the CMAS international diver training standards and procedures.
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+ How much does it cost to be an OSAC member?
Your annual membership costs approximately €220, which includes our club membership, CMAS membership, and dive accident insurance cover. We'll provide you with diving equipment during your confined water training in our local swimming pool, but you'll be required to purchase your own diving gear for open water training. Scuba diving equipment can vary in price (either new or second hand) and we can help you with knowledge and advice to point you in the right direction.
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+ How regularly does OSAC organise diving trips?
We're an active club and we dive most weekends and often mid-week during the summer months. Always weather permitting of course! Our clubhouse is next to the River Shannon in Banagher and we often dive there to teach, train and to have a lot of fun! We often travel around Ireland and plan diving holidays abroad each year too!
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+ Can I do some snorkelling with OSAC?
Absolutely! The path for snorkelling members is a similar process to scuba divers (without the try-a-dive session). Membership costs are €70 per year (€50 discounted price for junior snorkellers) and you'll need to purchase your own snorkelling equipment (e.g. mask and fins) for open water training. If you're a keen snorkeller, get in touch and we'll be able to give you more information.
We're very social
When we're not diving, we're talking about diving and this happens a lot on social media. You can find us in any of these places and we'd love for you to come along and join the conversation!
Find OSAC
Offaly Search and Recovery Club, Beside Outdoor Swimming Pool, Banagher, Co. Offaly, Ireland
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Contact Us
Email offalysac@gmail.com