Navy lieutenant Tahlia Britton, the first female to qualify for the Naval Service diving unit, is among speakers at this year’s Dive Ireland Expo in Nenagh, Co Tipperary.
Former Kilkee mayor and pioneering diver and lifeguard Manuel Di Lucia will also address the event which runs during the weekend of March 29th/30th in Nenagh, Co Tipperary.
As Afloat has reported, Di Lucia, in his early eighties, published a book last year on his life as pioneering diver, fisherman, lifeguard, restaurant operator and marine rescue centre founder.
Pioneering diver and lifeguard Manuel Di Lucia
Billed as Ireland's biggest diving and watersports show, the event is hosted this year by Lough Derg Sub Aqua Club.
The weekend event is a trade show that coincides with the annual convention of Diving Ireland - the national governing body for recreational underwater sports in Ireland, according to public relations officer Simon O’Duffy.
“A key feature of the weekend event is the series of talks on topics that will be of interest to a wide audience. They range from stories of deep dives in exploration of famous shipwrecks, to women in diving, to even a talk about living on the Fastnet lighthouse,”he says.
Along with Britton and Di Lucia, other speakers confirmed for this year's event include Dr Simon Berrow of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, who has spoken publicly about the appearance of a humpback whale in the Shannon Estuary.
“Also sure to capture interest is Michael Loftus, key player in the much-publicised sinking of the MV Shingle off Mayo last year, which led to the creation of Ireland's first artificial reef for divers to explore,”O’Duffy says.
Michael Loftus, a key player in the much-publicised sinking of the MV Shingle
Dive Ireland Expo '25 will feature a series of talks dedicated to technical diving, and a number focusing on women in diving, he says.
Chartered physiotherapist Siobhán O'Donovan will speak about “A Guest Appearance by the World-renowned Booby Physio - special consideration for women in diving on posture, body management and bras”.
The photography exhibition at this year's event will display a new collection of images captured throughout Ireland and abroad by the Diving Ireland Underwater Photography Group, members of which will also be giving talks.
“The trade show is the best place in the country for people interested in scuba-diving, free-diving, snorkelling and similar water sports to avail of great deals on gear,” O’Duffy says.
“ Some of the biggest names in the business will be there and you can find out about the latest products on the market, as well as offerings from dive holiday providers,” he says.
“A quirky addition to the whole affair will be the assortment of art and craft stands, most of which will have an aquatic theme, while the expo also features a raffle with some fantastic prizes to be won,” he says.
Dive Ireland Expo ‘25 takes place at the Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, on Saturday and Sunday, March 29th and 30th.
For further details, visit the website divingirelandexpo.ie
