Dundalk Credit Union celebrates 40th anniversary Sharing stories of four decades
Former staff and guests gather for dinner
More photos:
As part of a programme of events to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Dundalk Credit Union, a dinner was held in the Ballymascanlon Hotel last Sunday night.
The dinner was attended by current and former directors and staff of the credit union and a representation of the general membership, along with guests from neighbouring credit unions and the Credit Union Development Association (CUDA).
The evening proved to be a huge success with many guests sharing stories and reminisces from the past four decades.
Recently appointed General Manager Billy Doyle said: 'The enormous regard members and the community of Dundalk have for their credit union is very evident tonight, and is a marvellous platform for the further growth and development of Dundalk Credit Union.'
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of a commemorative plaque to members of the first board of directors of Dundalk Credit Union.
Each specially commissioned plaque bears photographs of all of the original directors along with the 40th anniversary logo.
Presenting the plaques, the current chairman of the board, Jim Kelly, paid a glowing tribute to Monsignor Francis Donnelly whom he said was rightly regarded by all as the founder of Dundalk Credit Union: 'It is fair to say that the vision, dedication and fortitude shown by Monsignor Donnelly in the early years is the main reason that Dundalk Credit Union was in a position to become the success it is today,'
The meeting was also addressed by Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform Dermot Ahern TD, and Cllr Seamus Keelan, Chairman of the Dundalk Town Council, who both reflected on the enormous contribution of Dundalk Credit Union to the development of the community and town of Dundalk itself.
Minister Ahern highlighted that approaching € 200m had been loaned out by Dundalk Credit Union over the past five years and indicated his support for changes in legislation that would underpin the further growth and development of progressive Credit Unions like Dundalk.
The Registrar of Credit Unions, Brendan Logue praised the Board of Directors for overseeing the great success that is Dundalk Credit Union and paid a glowing tribute to the recently retired manager Pat Muckian, for her excellent stewardship of the finances and affairs of the credit union.
