Credit Union celebrating 50 years in Skibbereen

SKIBBEREEN Credit Union kicks off its 50th birthday celebrations this week with a host of special events in Credit Union House. 

The Credit Union has become a pillar of the local Skibbereen and surrounding region since 1966. 

At a reception to launch the celebrations, Michael Minehane (95), one of the first members of the Credit Union, helped to launch the 50th celebrations with his daughter Anne and  grand-daughter Abbie Salter-Townshend and one of its newest members, Micheál McCarthy, (3). 

Michael is celebrating on the double, as he became a member on Saturday February 26th 1966, and has been a weekly visitor, every Saturday. 

Michael has kept each of his 25 Credit Union books and has an archive of pictures recording the history of the Credit Union since its foundation.

From Tuesday 23rd February to Saturday 27th, the Credit Union will be offering celebratory gifts to anyone taking out a loan that week and the first 50 new members will have their deposits matched, by up to €50. 

Red FM will also broadcast from the banking hall, from 12-3pm on Friday 26th, with special giveaways and prizes throughout the day.

Speaking of the 50th birthday celebrations, manager Donal O’Driscoll said the Credit Union offers an incredibly important service to 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,’ said Mr O’Driscoll.

‘This core principle of putting people before profit has stood the test of time.’