Skibbereen Credit Union will kick off its 50th birthday celebrations next week with a special event on Friday 26th February in Credit Union House. The organisation which has become a pillar of the local Skibbereen and surrounding region since 1966 has been the go to organisation for thousands of West Cork people for loans, savings and financial advice.
It started from humble beginnings after a core group led by Rev. J McCarthy realised the potential of the Credit Union movement which was still in its infancy in Ireland. From a temporary office in the Town Hall which operated for just two and a half hours every Saturday night, the Credit Union has grown from just 77 members with shares of £610 and loans of £344 in 1966 to 14,400 members with shares of €62million and loans of €25million today. Over the past 50 years Skibbereen Credit Union has lent over €300million in to the local economy and has given over €500,000 in sponsorship to local community groups.
From Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th February, the Credit Union will match the first 50 new members first deposits up to €50 as well as offering special gifts to anyone taking a loan that week. Red fm will also broadcast from the banking hall from 12-3pm on Friday 26th with special giveaways and prizes being given out throughout the day.
Speaking of the 50th birthday celebrations, Donal O'Driscoll, Manager, said "Our Credit Union offers an incredibly important service to our members. In 1966 the need for the local community to take ownership of their financial future was incredibly strong and this is still the case today. Our mission has remained the same over the past 50 years - to give members more control over their own finances. This core principle of putting people before profit has stood the test of time and we are extremely proud to be celebrating our 50th year in the community and very much look forward to expanding our services and building on this for many more years to come."
