The SUI was founded as the Speleological Society of Ireland in 1964 to promote speleology (the scientific study of caves) in Ireland. Jack Coleman was the first president. The society was reconstituted in 1983 as the Speleological Union of Ireland. In 2002 the SUI was set up as a company limited by guarantee.[1]
Functions
The SUI provides training for cave leaders and new cavers and represents cavers' interests in disputes with landowners. It also works to protect Irish caves from damage by human influence, including dumping, quarrying, development, and promotes a strong conservation ethic to cavers. The organisation promotes awareness of caves and safe caving, providing information for beginners wishing to try caving.[2]
The SUI publishes a scientific journal, Irish Speleology, and grant aid is often provided by the organisation for international caving expeditions. In August 2012 the Kozłowski Fund was additionally set up to support cave exploration within Ireland, in memory of prolific cave diver and explorer Artur Kozłowski.[3]
Irish Speleology is the official caving journal published by the SUI.[7] It is the longest-running caving journal in Ireland, and was first published in September 1965 as the Journal of the Speleological Society of Ireland. Volumes 1 to 4 were published as multiple issues, however following volume 4 issue 2, the next release was volume 13, and numbering has been sequential since.[8]
Volume 23 of the journal, subtitled "Selected accounts of Irish caves 1680–1893" and published in October 2017,[9] was nominated for the Tratman award:[10] a literary award issued annually by the Ghar Parau Foundation, subsequently managed by the British Cave Research Association.[11]
Underground
The SUI produces a newsletter for members, named Underground, published up to four times per year. It provides up-to-date information on new discoveries, caving events, activities, rescue and safety, equipment and techniques in Irish caving.[7]
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