Loughrea Credit Union recognises Volunteers on

 International Credit Union Day

On Thursday the 21^st October 2010 Mr. Mark Bailey, President of The Irish League of Credit Unions attended a ceremony at Naomh Breandain Credit Union, Loughrea. He unveiled a special plaque depicting the names of 158 Directors and Supervisors who served on the board from 1966 - 2010. He spoke to a large crowd on the importance of volunteerism in credit unions in the past and in the present climate. He also stressed the importance of promoting volunteerism in credit unions into the future. Some of the people present had been founder members of Naomh Breandain Credit Union and had shared their thoughts on the changes over the past forty four years.

Founder Directors spoke about operating the credit union for one hour after mass on a Saturday night and using a biscuit tin as a till. All transactions were recorded by hand in a large red book. Today’s Directors and Supervisors spoke about the knowledge and training together with the work load they have to complete in order to serve on an effective board like Naomh Breandain Credit Union.

 Mr. Bailey recognised the many changes in the credit union movement down through the years. He especially mentioned how important it is to keep the element of volunteerism in the credit unions in the future.

The success of a credit union in a community is often measured by a proactive board. Naomh Breandain Credit Union has a membership in excess of 13,500 members today and is growing. This surely, is a positive reflection on the many people who have worked on a voluntary capacity on the Boards over the past forty four years.