Diarmuid Whelan is a native of Cappa, Kilrush. He was raised as a close neighbour of the Late Pattie McMahon.

Ever since childhood, Diarmuid has had a deep love of Scattery Island and vividly remembers his first visit to the Island aged five years. In his teenage years, and beyond, he worked with the late Gerald Griffin (Master Mariner and River Pilot) in his business Scattery Island Ferries.

A teacher with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board for the past 16 years, Diarmuid currently runs a full time Maritime Traineeship based at Kilrush FET Centre.

He has served as Chairperson of Scattery Island Heritage and Development Group.

Diarmuid is married to Lisa, whose grandmother was Nellie McMahon, a native of Scattery. They have three daughters, Saoirse, (five years), Sadhbh, (two years old), & Saorlaith, (one years old).

Diarmuid Whelan is a director of Shannon Estuary Marine Ltd., whose maritime services provide workboats and barges on the Shannon Estuary and beyond.