Monasterevan Credit Union celebrates 50 years

On 19 May 1975 the founder directors were elected. To remember and honour those directors, the credit union have erected a plaque listing the 15 founder directors’ names.
Monasterevan Credit Union celebrates 50 years

The unveiling of a plaque to founding directors at Monasterevan Credit Union by Brendan Jenkins, President of ILCU, and Mary Ryan chairperson of Monasterevan Credit Union Photos: Jimmy Fullam

MONASTEREVAN Credit Union celebrated 50 years of service to the community with a large attendance of members and invited guests.

The President of the Irish League of Credit Union Brendan Jenkins was the special guest, while Minister Martin Heydon, Deputy Sean O’Feargháil, cllr Kevin Duffy and representatives from neighbouring credit unions were present.

Mary Byrne receiving a plaque for her late father Liam McGlynn, a founding director, by Brendan Jenkins and Mary Ryan
Mary Byrne receiving a plaque for her late father Liam McGlynn, a founding director, by Brendan Jenkins and Mary Ryan

Chair of Monasterevan Credit Union Mary Ryan welcomed everyone to the event and said that it was a wonderful day celebrating 50 years.

On 19 May 1975 the founder directors were elected. To remember and honour those directors, the credit union have erected a plaque listing the 15 founder directors’ names. President Brendan Jenkins unveiled the plaque.

 Ger Brereton receiving a plaque in honour of his late wife Margaret, a founding director, by Brendan Jenkins and Mary Ryan
Ger Brereton receiving a plaque in honour of his late wife Margaret, a founding director, by Brendan Jenkins and Mary Ryan

Five of the founder directors were present; ten directors have sadly passed on. They were represented by family members.

A glass plaque was presented to family members. The group then went to Monasterevin Community Centre for refreshments and speeches. League President Brendan Jenkins congratulated Monasterevan on its success and its support of the community. He wished them continued success. He made a presentation of glass bowl to the chair Mary Ryan on behalf of the league.

 Founder member of Monasterevan Credit Union Evian O'Keeffe receiving his plaque
Founder member of Monasterevan Credit Union Evian O'Keeffe receiving his plaque

Deputy O’Feargháil spoke and described the founding members were real patriots and our community owes them a debt of gratitude. Credit union has reached all corners of the community. He wished the credit union continued success.

Minister Heydon congratulated Monasterevan on 50 years’ service. When it was founded in 1975, Ireland and Monasterevin were different places. Work was scarce, and credit was not easily available. Credit unions brought new life to the communities and kept moneylenders from overrunning the areas.

 Carmel Timoney recieving a plaque for her dad the late Con Carr along with Fionn and Con Carr
Carmel Timoney recieving a plaque for her dad the late Con Carr along with Fionn and Con Carr

Cllr Kevin Duffy said that the credit union was a great help to community organisations in providing bridging finance. Members were well looked after. He wished them continued success. Parish priest Fr Liam. Merrigan said that the credit union was the centre of the community and thanked volunteers for their work.

Chairperson Mary Ryan thanked everyone for their contributions. She gave the history of the foundation to the present day. She thanked all who have volunteered over the years and their families.

Monasterevan Credit Union staff
Monasterevan Credit Union staff

Ms Ryan said the Credit Union helped community groups. In the next week, a defibrillator will be installed on the office wall, sponsored by the credit union. To say thank you to the community, the credit union have set up a Community Awards Programme. This is a once-off programme. It is open to volunteer groups and committees to apply for funds to help with special projects.

Margaret and Ian Ferguson Margaaret Worrell and Bridie Keegan
Margaret and Ian Ferguson Margaaret Worrell and Bridie Keegan

To make application, contact the credit union office. While it was a celebration, the credit union remembered its deceased volunteers and members. 

Brendan Jenkins, President of ILCU, Mary Ryan, chairperson of Monasterevin Credit Union, Fr Liam Merrigan PP and founding directors & family members
Brendan Jenkins, President of ILCU, Mary Ryan, chairperson of Monasterevin Credit Union, Fr Liam Merrigan PP and founding directors & family members

A cake marking 50 years was cut and distributed to the members. Ms Ryan said the tagline for Monasterevan Credit Union is ‘We are big enough to serve but small enough to care’.

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