Rockcorry Divers at New Peace Campus

7th March 2024

Heather Humphreys TD – Minister for Rural and Community Development Minister for Social Protection, centre and Cllr Richard Truell, with members of the Rockcorry Divers / North Coast Search & Recovery, when she met with them to see the new jeep
and RIB that they received grant funding for.

In photo are (L-R) Dainus, Mark and Sinead Hughes, Cllr Richard Truell, Philip Hand, Minister Heather Humphreys TD, Frank McDermott, Peter McCambley and Alex. Photo Rory Geary

In photo are (L-R) Dainus, Mark and Sinead Hughes, Cllr Richard Truell, Philip Hand, Minister Heather Humphreys TD, Frank McDermott, Peter McCambley and Alex. Photo Rory Geary

Saturday 19th May marked a significant occasion for the members and committee of Rockcorry Divers as they
gathered at the newly opened €22 million Peace Campus in Monaghan to meet with some very special VIPs: Minister
Heather Humphreys and Councillor Richard Truell. The progress and achievements of Rockcorry Divers & North
Coast Search & Recovery would not be what they are today without the invaluable support of these two
individuals.

In 2016, when Project 17 faced numerous obstacles in obtaining a licence to dive the Lusitania wreck, it was Minister
Humphreys who provided the crucial assistance needed to unlock the doors that had previously been closed to us. Since
then, Project 17 has conducted annual research dives on the Lusitania. Currently, Project 17 boasts a dedicated team of
seven divers from Rockcorry. Their ongoing efforts are a testament to the pivotal role played by Minister Humphreys in
enabling these explorations.

In the past two years, Councillor Truell has made significant contributions to Rockcorry Divers. His efforts in securing
funding and providing strategic guidance have been instrumental, and we are deeply grateful for his unwavering
support. The culmination of these funding efforts has been the acquisition of essential diving equipment, an 8.5-meter Diesel
Tornado RIB, and an Emergency Response Unit. These investments have substantially enhanced our operational
capabilities.

So far this year, Rockcorry Divers has participated in four search and recovery missions. The state-of-the-art equipment
we now possess ensures peak reliability during callouts, a critical factor given the unpredictable and demanding nature of
marine operations. As there are no “hard shoulders” at sea, the importance of having dependable gear cannot be overstated.
In reflecting on these achievements, it is clear that the collaboration and support from Minister Humphreys and
Councillor Truell have been transformative. Their contributions have not only facilitated significant advancements in our diving
projects but also fortified our ability to respond effectively in emergency situations. We would also like to give a special
mention to Eva Pepper whose assistance in many areas has been sincerely appreciated.

The Peace Campus itself symbolizes a commitment to progress and community cohesion. This new facility stands as a
testament to the power of collaboration and the positive outcomes that arise when dedicated individuals and
organizations work together towards common goals.

For Rockcorry Divers, the meeting at the Peace Campus was more than just a ceremonial occasion; it was an opportunity to
acknowledge and celebrate the partnerships that have been integral to our success. It was a moment to express our
gratitude and to highlight the pivotal roles that Minister Humphreys and Councillor Truell have played in our journey.

As we continue to advance in our endeavours, the support from key figures like Minister Humphreys and Councillor Truell will
remain vital. Their advocacy and assistance have paved the way for our current capabilities and future aspirations. The
milestones we have reached in our diving projects, particularly with Project 17, are a direct result of their commitment to our
mission.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the potential for further discoveries and contributions to the field of maritime
archaeology and search and recovery operations. With our enhanced equipment and the ongoing support from our
community and leaders, Rockcorry Divers is well-positioned to tackle new challenges and achieve even greater
accomplishments.

In conclusion, the meeting at the Peace Campus underscored the importance of support, collaboration, and community in
driving progress. The investments in equipment and resources, coupled with the strategic guidance provided by our supporters, have empowered Rockcorry Divers to perform at the highest level. We are immensely grateful for the contributions of Minister Humphreys and Councillor Truell, and we look forward to continuing our work with their support, striving towards new horizons in our diving and recovery missions.

We at Rockcorry Divers are truly thankful to our funders who have made our club a reality which made it possible to
purchase some of the most cutting-edge equipment out there.

Firstly, the Oscar sports capital and equipment program. Specifically designed to help develop sporting recreation
activities and the refurbishment of equipment. This programme helped in the purchase of a 8.5m Rib boat Specifically designed for deep technical diver training and diving off the coast of our Island This truly majestic vessel boasts a V8 470hp diesel power capable of reaching some of the most far off dive sites around the coast of Ireland. This project was funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Gaeltacht . The National Lottery also make a major contribution to this
programme.

Secondly, we expressed our heartfelt gratitude to the Leader programme. The Leader program in Monaghan was
implemented by Monaghan County Council and funded by the Irish government and the European Union. The funding that we
received went towards the purchase of 3 new trailers for our vessels, new compressors, dive equipment, dry suits and gas
boosting equipment.

Marianne McEnaney of Monaghan Integrated Development played a vital and professional role in guiding us in our
application. The most recent funding coming from CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) programme. Which provided
a no fuse process in acquiring a new 4×4 First Responders vehicle, yet again a very fit for purpose vehicle in which we hope to use for a long time to come. We are sincerely grateful for the support of all of our funders. For those who are
interested in finding out more about the adventures of the Rockcorry Divers, the following computer links will give you
some valuable insights into their work.