A Credit To The Community

“We are all delighted here to have been nominated and especially in the “Best Community Enterprise” category. Kanturk

Credit Union is all about community. One of the slogans we often use is “Not for profit, but for Community”. Credit unions are not-for-profit entities, and we are owned by our members, for our members. As a credit union, we are unique in that we are not here to serve customers, but much more importantly, our MEMBERS. We genuinely put the member first at all times and would hope to be doing the same for many years to come!

Staff of the Kanturk Credit Union with manager Martin Lyons

To have been nominated gives us a chance to showcase what we do in the Credit Union on a daily basis and how we serve the local community.”

Today, most of us have a Credit Union account, but the movement didn’t arrive in Ireland until 1958. In 1963, Seamus O’Mahoney, Michael Lucey, Donal Hanrahan, and Tommy Cross formed a plan. RTE had run shows about credit unions setting up in towns and communities, and they had what was described as “an enthusiastic chat.”

The first official meeting of Kanturk Credit Union was held at the Edel Quinn Hall on the 16th October 1963.

The standard was set early. Today they offer more services than ever before; car, personal, and home loans, as well as loans for making homes greener. Their annual art competition is a huge hit every year, but their work with the community is not limited to this. They celebrated their 60th anniversary this year with a wonderful party, and are more than happy to celebrate the history of Kanturk. Regularly they share historical photos from the area, and their social media presence has given yet another point of contact for their community endeavours.

All profit made with them returns to the community in the form of donation sponsorship, and improvements made to their services. The team of ten has a the community’s best interests at heart, and this is compounded with a voluntary board.

With an ever growing membership and ever growing faith from the community, seeing where they go next is a thrill.

Facebook: @kanturkcu

Website: kanturkcu.ie

Kanturk Credit Union’s home is the spectacular clock house on Strand Street