Our Story

November 26th 1964 saw the beginning of Cairde Credit Union Limited. With an organisational meeting at which the sixteen people present paid an entrance fee of 2 schillings and 6 pence. They also purchased one share at a cost of £1.00. These sixteen then became the first members of Cairde Credit Union Limited and from these the original Board of Directors was elected. Following this the first monthly meeting was held on December 7th 1964 at which Dr. P.K. Murphy was elected as the first president.

A little over two years later on March 4th 1967 a car purchase loan was granted in the sum of £180.00. The Board however we're not going to take any chances and so the condition attached to the loan stated that the borrower should obtain comprehensive insurance.

On January 23rd 1969 the 5th AGM was informed that the Credit Union Act 1966 had been passed in the Dáil and under its provisions Cairde Credit Union Ltd. had been incorporated. Over the subsequent 10 - 15 years the Credit Union was able to develop steadily and on May 4th 1971 the first part-time paid staff member was appointed.

January 24th 1973 saw the purchase of the premises on Mary Street, which were opened for business after extensive renovations on October 20th 1973. At the AGM the following December a proposal to extend the Common Bond Area to what it is today was approved. February 9th 1976 saw the appointment of the first permanent member of staff. The Board meeting of February 20th 1978 informed that IR£ 1 million had been advanced in loans since the foundation of the Credit Union. In November 1979 the first full-time manager was appointed and on October 1st 1982 a computer was purchased.

The Credit Union relocated to Parnell Street, which opened for business on July 16th 2001. These premises were officially opened on September 29th 2001 by Mrs Joan Colbert.

In 2022, with the approval of The Central Bank and endorsement of our members, Cairde Credit Union joined forces with Lismore/Cappoquin Credit Union and the Tallow area credit union.

The transfer of engagement was to ensure the sustainability of credit union activities throughout our common bond and enable the development of new and improved services for all our members going forward.

Present day; Cairde credit union has 5 offices operating in Dungarvan, Tallow, Limsore, Cappoquin and Kilmacthomas. Today's membership stands at approximately 23,000, while the Credit Union holds assets of over 200 million euro.