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Bantry Credit Union members and friends toast 50th anniversary

September 4th, 2016 11:55 AM

By Southern Star Team

Singer Máire Ní Chéileachair with Anna Fitzgerald and John Colbert at the open day. (Photo: Tony McElhinney)

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Bantry was buzzing  as the local Credit Union’s Open Day celebrated its 50th anniversary.

BANTRY was buzzing  as the local Credit Union’s Open Day celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Red FM Roadshow with DJ and Patrollers generated a party mood, while the face painting and balloon modelling went down a treat with the scores of young children who flocked to the credit union.

 Inside, founder members and directors mingled with more recent staff, and shared stories with a cup in one hand and the delicious finger food in the other. 

The formalities were kept short and light, in keeping with the theme of the day. Accomplished sean-nós singer Máire Ní Chéileachair made a guest appearance, courtesy of the Masters of Tradition festival, and sang a few songs. 

Board of directors chairperson Anna Fitzgerald spoke briefly about the role and value of the Credit Union to the local community, and about how the friendly face and the personal touch remain the hallmarks of the Credit Union.

Anna then made a presentation to staff members Rosemary Vickery and Christine Andrews, in recognition of their dedicated service to Bantry Credit Union (30 years and 25 years respectively). There was great warmth and affection for the two, as family, friends, colleagues and members joined in the tributes and celebrations.

John Colbert, chairman of the Cork regional grouping of credit unions, expressed the congratulations of the wider credit union movement on Bantry Credit Union reaching such an important milestone.

The formalities ended with staff members Noreen Cronin, Caroline Bevan and Katrina Lynch cutting the 50th anniversary cake. Then it was back to the chat and the laughter and fun in the Facebook selfie-booth. 

See the Credit Union’s Facebook page for further evidence!

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