Ministerial Visit Highlights the Vital Role of Credit Unions in Local Communities

Ministerial Visit Highlights the Vital Role of Credit Unions in Local Communities

Minister Neale Richmond, Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance visited Kerry on Monday 22nd July to hold a round table meeting with the Credit Unions of Kerry & West Limerick. The visit, which was proudly hosted by Killarney Credit Union, underscored the government's commitment to strengthening community-based financial institutions and recognized the critical role credit unions play in fostering economic growth and financial inclusion.

The meeting which was attend by representatives of Killarney Credit Union, Cara Credit Union, Rathmore & District Credit Union, Listowel Credit Union, Abbeyfeale Credit Union, the Irish League of Credit Unions & Department of Finance covered many of the topics and issues concerning the local credit unions.

During the visit, Minister Richmond toured the facilities and engaged with staff and members, gaining valuable insights into the daily operations and the unique challenges faced by credit unions. The minister commended the Credit Unions of Kerry & West Limerick for their unwavering dedication to providing affordable financial services and for their innovative programs designed to meet the diverse needs of their members.

Joy Clifford Vaughan Chairperson of Killarney Credit Union said "We are honored to have Minister Richmond visit us today." "This visit reinforces the importance of the work we do here in Kerry & West Limerick. Our mission is to empower our members through financial education and personalised services, and with the support of the government, we can expand our reach and impact even further."

The Credit Unions of Kerry & West Limerick have been a trusted financial partner for over 50 years, offering a wide range of services including savings accounts, loans, mortgages, and financial counselling. With a strong emphasis on community involvement and member satisfaction, the credit unions continue to be a pivotal resource for individuals and businesses alike.

2024 Credit Union Art Competition

Killarney Credit Union is delighted to announce that entries are now open for the 2024 Credit Union Art Competition.

This year’s theme celebrates ‘THE JOYS OF LIFE’.

One of the most prominent and longest-running competitions of its type across Ireland, this year’s Credit Union Art Competition theme focuses on ‘THE JOYS OF LIFE’ inviting participants to share what brings them joy and happiness. Celebrating life’s simple pleasures and treasured moments through the likes of beautiful sunsets, sharing laughter with friends, or spending time with loved ones, the theme encourages participants to highlight their precious memories.

The closing date to submit finished entries to Killarney Credit Union is Friday 25th of October 2024.

Please print entry forms as required.

Please click here to download a copy of the entry form.

Rules

Please pay particular attention to the rules 3, 5, 7 & 8.

1.

The competition has two categories – General Category and Additional Needs Category with the following age groups in each category:
- 7 years and under
- 8 – 10 years inclusive
- 11 – 13 years inclusive
- 14 – 17 years inclusive
- Adult – 18 years and over

Ages as at 31st December 2024. Proof of month and year of birth may be requested by the credit union. There is a separate section for group entries in the Additional Needs Category only.

2.

Entries to the Additional Needs Category are invited from children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Entrants in this category are not required to use the theme.

3.

The text of the theme does not have to be illustrated on your artwork. We are looking for your interpretation of the theme through your art.

4.

All group entries will be judged together – no age categories apply. Please tick the group entry box under the Additional Needs category if you wish to be considered for group entry.

5.

Name, address, month and year of birth and other details (where applicable) must be clearly printed on the entry form and then attached to the back of the entry. Any entries bearing incomplete entry forms may not be considered.

6.

All entry forms and artworks must be certified by teacher/facilitator/parent/guardian (under 18, General Category and Additional Needs Category), or by the entrant (over 18) as being an unaided and original work of the entrant.

7.

All entries must be submitted in either A3 (420mm wide x 297mm high) or A2 (594mm wide x 420mm high) and landscape orientation. Other sizes and portrait oriented entries will be disqualified from adjudication.

8.

The entry can be drawn or painted in pencil, charcoal, pen or ink, felt-tip markers, crayon, pastel, water colours, gouache, acrylics, oils, poster colour or collage. Prints done from a lino block, wood block or any other method may also be submitted. No computer aided design (CAD) may be entered. No pieces of art under glass, as we cannot be responsible for same.

9.

The competition is organised into three stages with the winner in each category being forwarded to the next stage, these being:
Stage1 Credit Union Level
Stage 2 Chapter (Regional) Level
Stage 3 National Level

Entries must be submitted to your local participating credit union only– no entries will be accepted directly at regional or national level.

10.

It should be noted that once artwork is received by us they become our property and may be reproduced at our discretion and may only be returned at our discretion. All entries are accepted as original works and we are not responsible for any breach of copyright. We will not accept liability for loss or damage to any work submitted.

11.

Entrants may enter the competition only once in any given year.

12.

We reserve the right not to award prizes in any category. The decision of the adjudicators is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Killarney Credit Union launch first ever Social Impact Report

Killarney Credit Union is proud to announce the launch of its very first Social Impact Report, showcasing their commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.

Social Impact in Credit Unions refers to the positive effects and contributions that Credit Unions make to their members and community. Credit Unions pride themselves on being different and need to highlight and promote what it is, that makes them different. Credit Unions are a member-owned and not-for-profit organisation. They are uniquely positioned to improve their social impact by prioritising the well-being of their members and the communities they serve.

The launch which took place in Beech Road offices last week brought together many of the clubs and organisations that received sponsorship amounting to €35,000 last year. Killarney Credit Union is very proud to have sponsored numerous events and each initiative highlighted in the report publicises the impact made on the communities they serve.

“At the heart of our credit union lies a deep-seated commitment to people, not profits. This report encapsulates our unwavering dedication to social responsibility, financial inclusion, sustainable growth and community development.” said Joy Vaughan-Clifford, Chairperson, Killarney Credit Union. “Killarney Credit Union aims to prioritize our members' needs. Our focus on our members is strengthened by personalised service and a strong sense of community.”

Affordable credit and easy access to loans is a core principle and in the last financial year, Killarney Credit Union loaned €23.7 million to 2,735 members, fuelling the economies of South & East Kerry. 488 new members joined Killarney Credit Union, with 817 members opening current accounts. The loan interest rates offered by Killarney Credit Union are among the most competitive in Kerry.

Other notable inclusions in the Social Impact report include Volunteerism, Strategic Plan Implementation, development of an Environmental Sustainability brief, green product development, access to financial services and credit, member awareness programmes and benefits of being a member .

Killarney Credit Unions Social Impact report is available to download at the bottom of this page.

Killarney Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative dedicated to serving the financial needs of over 35,000 individuals, families, and businesses in South & East Kerry. With a focus on community impact and member satisfaction, Killarney Credit Union offers a full range of financial products and services designed to help members achieve their financial goals and dreams.

Download the Social Impact Report as a PDF

Green Home Initiatives Roadshow

Green Home Initiatives Roadshow: Promoting Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Killarney Credit Union is thrilled to announce the launch of their Green Home Initiatives Roadshow, a comprehensive campaign aimed at empowering our local communities with access to information whilst promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The event which will take place on the 7th of April, in The Gleneagle Hotel, 12p.m. – 4p.m, will offer people the opportunity to get information on retrofitting their homes, reducing energy bills and advice on how to improve their homes’ BER ratings. Guidance will also be available on SEAI grants, reducing bills and how to access competitive Green Loan finance from Killarney Credit Union.

The Green Home Initiatives Roadshow event will showcase leading companies providing services such as Solar Panels, Home Heating Solutions, Insulation, Windows & Doors and Thermo Homes. Each of the exhibitors will have personnel on hand to answer your questions and queries. The exhibitors attending the event include Energitec Solar, Pro Solar, The Renewable Energy Centre, Thermohouse, Senator Windows, Quilter Insulation, Kingdom Installation, Energywise Ireland, Gilroys Green Energy, Billgenie.ie, KSEC – Kerry Sustainable Energy Co-Op and Sustainable Energy Communities – SEAI.

"We are excited to host this Green Home Initiatives Roadshow for the communities of South & East Kerry," said Mark Murphy, CEO, Killarney Credit Union. "Our goal is to empower homeowners with the knowledge and resources they need to make environmentally conscious decisions, reduce their carbon footprint and also reducing household bills."

In addition to educating homeowners, the Green Home Initiatives Roadshow aims to inspire action at the community level. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, the campaign seeks to create a network of environmentally conscious individuals committed to making a positive impact on the planet.

One of the key strategic objectives of Killarney Credit Union is to put environmental sustainability at the heart of our decision making, be a champion for climate change and embrace green issues in all aspects of our business.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a recent bill from their electricity provider which can be reviewed by the exhibitors when discussing your requirements.

For more information on the event please visit our event page here: killarneycu.ie/roadshow.