For years, ULSAC has dreamed of purchasing a RHIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat). This process really took off in the past 12 months; with the tireless efforts of the past and present ULSAC committees and the support of the Ulster Bank’s Enablement Fund committee, this dream came into fruition this Saturday, as our shiny new RHIB, Plassey Bird, arrived at the boathouse.

We have many people to thank for making this possible: we could not have done this without the support of Criona Russell and the Ulster Bank Enablement Fund committee who accepted our proposal and eased our financial pressure by generously donating a significant portion of the cost of the RHIB.

Also a huge thank you to ULSU’s Ruan Dillon McLoughlin and Paul Lee, who were very supportive throughout the whole process.

The ULSAC committee has worked tirelessly over the last number of months particularly our Equipment Officer, Paddy Finn. All the members of committees, past and present, had input in the purchase, and with too many names to mention, their efforts are deeply appreciated.

We are also very grateful to Bob Strunz and Pat Frawley for their advice throughout this process. Thank you to Bob and Adrian Thomas (ULSAC treasurer) who visited the boat mid-build in RedBay, based in Co. Antrim.

A very heartfelt thank-you to Dave Parks, whose experience and patience were vital assets throughout this process, he has been a true blessing and we cannot thank him enough. He, Paddy, and Adrian went to RedBay to collect our beauty this past weekend, and on Sunday, Dave then took the committee out for a spin on Loch Derg on Sunday, giving us a chance to let this massive achievement sink in.

Plassey Bird will be displayed on the main campus in the coming week, so look out for an invite to her launch