NEW EXTENSION TO OFFICES OFFICIALLY OPENED



Connaught Telegraph 29 May 1996


Credit Union celebrated 30 years of achievement

By TOM KELLY

Castlebar Credit Union is one of the town's most remarkable success stories.

From humble beginnings in 1966 when the founder members pooled a half crown each to launch the movement, it has grown to a membership of 10,000 with assets in excess of £12.5m.

The 30th anniversary of the organisation was celebrated in style on Friday with the opening of a magnificent new extension to their headquarters at Market Square.

The ceremony was performed by Mr. Norman Murphy, president of the Irish League of Credit Unions.

Mr. Murphy said the growth and development of the Castlebar chapter was proof positive of the high quality of service provided since its foundation.

"The Castlebar success story has been made possible by the loyalty of the members, as well as the efficiency and courtesy of all who work behind its doors.

"It is also due to the many volunteers who, down the years, have devoted so much of their time in conducting the administrative affairs of the credit union without any thought of reward."

The founder members were Tommy Byrne (R.I.P.), Liam Cronin (R.I.P.), Pat Warde (R.I.P.), John Cashin (R.I.P.), Paddy O'Toole, Joe Keane, Jack Loftus, Larry McHale, Greg McDonnell, Frank Durcan, Jimmy McHugh, Denis Ludden and Michael Carney.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Johnny Mee, acting chairman, Castlebar Urban Council, singled out the founder fathers.

He said: "Great credit must go to the founder members of the organisation. They were men of great vision, totally committed to the welfare of the people living in the town and surrounding areas.

"That the Credit Union in Castlebar has grown so strong over the years is a tribute to the founders and the people who have followed in their footsteps."

Mr. Mee praised Castlebar Credit Union for becoming involved in the life of the community and believed the branch would go from strength to strength in the future.

Fr. Paddy Curran, P.P., Castlebar, and Rev. Gary Hastings, Rector, Westport , jointly performed the blessing ceremony.

Special prayers were read by members, Paddy Glynn, secretary, Margaret Mandel Walsh, vice-chairperson,, Patricia Walsh and Sean Murphy, members of the Board of Directors, and Anne King, staff member.

EU Commissioner Mr. Padraig Flynn and Mr. Enda Kenny, T.D., Minister for Trade & Tourism, attended the function in the Welcome Inn Hotel which followed the opening ceremonies at Market Square.

Mr. Flynn praised Castlebar Credit Union for establishing itself as a significant player in the commercial life of the town and Mayo generally.

ORIGINAL AIMS

Despite its huge growth, Mr. Flynn said the organisation had not lost sight of its original aims: the protection and promotion of the financial interests of its members.

"An investor in Castlebar Credit Union can take satisfaction that his savings are helping the local community."

Mr. Kenny stated the credit union movement demonstrated what could be achieved by co-operation between people within their own communities.

"For many years now, the credit union movement has, from within its own resources, provided an efficient and very cost-effective assurance service which occupies a unique niche in an increasingly competitive and fast changing financial environment.

"The Credit Union movement is thriving in Ireland but this extraordinary growth could not have been achieved without the dedicated and unsparing efforts of the movement's many voluntary workers.

"Voluntary effort is a particular feature of the Irish credit union movement. This is a tribute to the Irish spirit of neighbourliness."

Mr. John Burke, president, Castlebar Credit Union, said the new extension was a credit to all the many people who were associated with it, most notably the contractors, Mountain View Securities.

"We now have a modern office which will cater for the present needs of all our members and also will provide a platform for the future for the provision of extra services which people demand in the ever changing e

Mr. Burke formally welcomed a party representing the Highfields & District Credit Union, Leicester, who had travelled specially for the weekend of celebration.

Castlebar Credit Union is twinned with Highfields Credit Union. A civic welcome was extended to the members of the Highfields chapter by Castlebar Urban Council.

Fr. John Lally, a native of Castlebar, accompanied the Leicester Group.

He spoke on behalf of Highfields Credit Union, praising Castlebar on their outstanding achievements.

Mr. Jack Loftus, treasurer, Castlebar Credit Union, also addressed the attendance of over 300.

He outlined the new offices were staffed by seven full time employees, an indication of the high level of business which was transacted on a daily basis.

Mr. Loftus thanked everybody who had contributed in any way to the success of the organisation over the past 30 years.

Castlebar Chamber of Commerce was represented at the function by Mr. P.J. Hennelly, president.

The master of ceremonies was Mr. Robert Coyne, a member of the board of directors, Castlebar Credit Union.

Connaught Telegraph - News - May 1996

Connaught Telegraph - Sports - May 1996