2024 Board of Directors & Management
Directors
Joy Clifford Vaughan
Chairperson
Joy Clifford-Vaughan is the Chairperson of Killarney Credit Union. She has served on the Board of Directors for 12 years beginning her credit union career in Kenmare and following a merger joined the Board of Killarney Credit Union.
She has an honours BA with majors in English and History and minors in Irish and Sociology, an honours Higher Diploma in Education and a Certificate in Credit Union Governance, all from UCC.
She also has a Diploma in Corporate Governance from the Corporate Governance Institute of Ireland which is a formal qualification for board directors.
Joy is a strong advocate for the positive impact credit unions can have on their community and has a particular interest in environmental and social governance. She is proud to lead Killarney Credit Union as it goes from strength to strength as the foremost provider of modern, fair and ethical financial services for the people of Killarney, Kenmare and Cahersiveen.
Pat Sheehan
Secretary
Pat Sheehan is from Killarney. He is a member of the Board for the past 11 years. He has served as Chairman, Vice Chairman and is currently Secretary to the Board. He is currently a member of the Nomination Committee and Investment Committee. In 2021 Pat was elected to the Board of the Irish League of Credit Unions where he is a current director and member of the Presidents Committee and Governance Committee. Pat holds a Certificate in Credit Union Business, a Diploma in Corporate Governance and is currently undertaking the Accredited Product Advisor (APA) qualification.
John Long
Vice Chairperson
John Long is a long-standing Director of Killarney Credit Union having served as Chairperson, a member of the nominating Committee, sponsorship committee, credit committee and executive committee. John served as a Director on the Board of the Irish League of Credit Unions for over 10 years. He is currently serving as Chairperson for Chapter 23 Kerry & West Limerick Credit Unions.
Gerard Galvin
Gerard Galvin is from Killarney and has been involved in voluntary organisations since 1979. He has been heavily involved in local GAA clubs such as Spa GAA and East Kerry. He has also been active in a voluntary capacity with Kerry County Board and Fitzgerald Stadium Committee. Gerard worked for 37 years as a psychiatric nurse and is now retired. Gerard was co-opted onto the Board of Directors in March 2017.
Jacqueline O'Leary
Jacqueline O'Leary has been a Director with Killarney Credit Union since 2014. She is a qualified accountant while holding a Bsc. in Computer Science from UCC and Higher Diploma in Business from UL. She is from the Killarney area. During her time with KCU she has been a member of both the Credit Control and Audit & Risk committees. She is also a member of the Board of Management in a local school. In her spare time she enjoys walking, reading and yoga..
Eileen Casey
Eileen Casey lives in Killarney and has served on the Board of Killarney Credit Union since 2020. She has been involved in a voluntary capacity with Spa GAA for many years and has served as secretary and treasurer. Eileen is currently working as an assistant accountant with FDC accountants in Killarney.
Elaine O Riordan
Elaine lives in Headford, Killarney works as the Senior Compliance officer for a renewable energy company called Statkraft. She has a Commerce Degree from UCC, and has completed a LIA Credit Union - Governance and Risk, and holds an International Certificate in Compliance. Elaine was co-opted onto the Board of Directors in October 2019.
Frank McGonigle
Married and living in Kenmare. Father to 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Born in Cork - lived and worked in several towns through out Ireland. Worked with Bank of Ireland for 42 years in a variety of roles including Marketing Dept in Waterford, Credit Dept in Cork, HR Manager for Munster, and Branch Manager Kenmare for 20 years. Holds a Variety of Banking Certificates / qualifications. Frank was co-opted on to the Board of Directors in 2020.
Eleanor Turner
Eleanor lives in Caherdaniel. She was co-opted onto the board in 2023. Eleanor has a background in marine biology, environmental education, sustainable development, multidisciplinary research and community development. She currently works with Kerry County Council as Biodiversity Officer, having previously worked as Biosphere Officer with SKDP on the Kerry UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, research assistant on state funded research projects on the Sustainable Development Goals and circular economy and various roles in community, post-primary and primary education. Eleanor has for several years been involved in a voluntary capacity with several community groups including Coiste Pobal CathairDonal and the Caherdaniel Rowing Club.
Jerry Morely
Jerry Morley was co opted onto the Board of Directors in January 2024. Jerry began his credit union career as a volunteer with Kenmare Credit Union in 1991. He became an employee in 1995 and retired in 2013. Jerry achieved a Diploma in Credit Union Studies in UCC in 1995. Jerry lives in Kilgarvan and is actively involved in the local employment scheme. In his spare time he enjoys walking, reading and travelling.
Jacinta O'Shea
Jacinta O’Shea is a primary teacher and Deputy Principal at Caherdaniel National School. With a strong passion for leadership, she is committed to fostering positive relationships and nurturing growth within her school community. Outside of her professional life, Jacinta enjoys hillwalking, swimming and embracing the natural beauty of her surroundings in Waterville. She has recently discovered a love for golf and is enthusiastic about developing her skills in this area going forward. Jacinta was co opted onto the Board of Directors in December 2024.
Board Oversight Committee
Bernard Hourihan
Chairperson
Bernard Hourihan lives in Kenmare, originally from Dingle. He has extensive experience of the financial services industry having worked in the Insurance Sector since 1983. He served as a Company Director for 18 years with O'Leary Insurances Ltd retiring in 2017. He was a member of the Insurance Institute of Ireland and completed all CPD training in accordance with Central Bank of Ireland requirements. He joined the Board of Directors in December 2017, served over 2 years before transferring to the Board Oversight Committee in March 2020.
Sean O'Sullivan
Sean O’Sullivan lives in Killarney. During his working career he worked in all aspects of manufacturing and worked for 35 years with BorgWarner Tralee. He also worked with Kerry Enterprise Board. Sean is now enjoying retirement and is a part time Farmer. In his spare time he is a volunteer with Kerry Mental Health. Sean has been on the Board Oversight Committee since December 2021.
Christine Carroll
Christine is from Kenmare originally. She moved to Killarney in the late 70's where she met and married her husband Dennis. Christine is a former employee of the HSE having worked as Area Administrator of Mental Health Services in Kerry. Christine is a keen sportsperson excelling in basketball and later in golf. Christine was Lady Captain of Killarney Golf & Fishing Club in 2013. Christine joined the BOC in May 2023.