Hollymount brothers attempt scuba dive Guinness record

Hollymount brothers attempt scuba dive Guinness record


Michael Commins

TWO Mayo brothers will attempt a rare challenge for people from this part of the world …. they are hoping to establish a new Guinness World Record for the world’s ‘Longest cold, open saltwater Scuba dive’.
Declan and Paul Devane, who hail from Hollybrook but who have resided in Galway for a good many years, are well advanced with plans for their record-breaking attempt which will take place on Saturday, October 10 at the Scubadive West Centre off the west Galway coast. They are hoping to raise substantial funds for St Raphael’s Ward at the Beaumont Hospital in Dublin and the charity Helping Hands.
Declan’s two year old son Cillian died on February 6 this year and he has since decided to undertake this venture in memory of and as a tribute to Cillian. He hopes that other children will benefit from the funds raised to assist with various aspects of work and research at the hospital.
The brothers intend to spend 40 hours under water under the supervision of dive-coordinator Gary Jennings and with the help and support of Scubadive West and a team of support divers. To set the record, the brothers will not be permitted to break the surface of the water for the duration of the attempt.
“We hope that our efforts and people’s generosity will, together, honour Cillian’s memory, as well as all the children who suffer serious illness. By raising funds for St. Raphael’s Children’s Ward at Beaumont Hospital where Cillian was cared for so well, and for CD’s Helping Hands, which supports the families of sick children, we hope to give something back to those who helped us when our little boy was sick,” says Declan.
Dive supervisor Gary Jennings points out that the greatest risk facing the lads is hypothermia but says they have planned the dive in great detail to ensure that any risk is of the minimum variety. He has expressed confidence that Paul and Declan will achieve their goal, set a new record and raise substantial funds in the process.
You can find out more about the world record attempt and show your support by visiting
www.worldslongestscubadive.com or email info@worldslongestscubadive.com