Cairde Credit Union – 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 shillings 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 among them, the original Board of Directors was electedFollowing 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, was not going to take any chances and so a condition attached to the loan required the borrower to obtain comprehensive insurance.
On January 23rd, 1969, at the 5th AGM, members were informed that the Credit Union Act 1966 had been passed in the Dáil and that under its provisions Cairde Credit Union Ltd. had been officially incorporated. Over the subsequent 10–15 years, the Credit Union developed steadily, and on May 4th, 1971, the first part-time paid staff member was appointed.
January 24th, 1973 saw the purchase of premises on Mary Street, which 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 its current scope was approved.
On February 9th, 1976, the first permanent staff member was appointed. The Board meeting of February 20th, 1978 noted 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 — a milestone in the organisation’s modernisation.
The Credit Union relocated to Parnell Street, opening for business on July 16th, 2001, and 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. This transfer of engagement was undertaken to ensure the sustainability of credit union services across our Common Bond and to enable the development of new and improved services for all members into the future.
Present Day
Today, Cairde Credit Union proudly serves a thriving membership of approximately 24,000 people, with five offices located in Dungarvan, Tallow, Lismore, Cappoquin, and Kilmacthomas. We now hold assets exceeding €200 million, a testament to the trust and confidence our members have placed in us over six decades of service.
Our focus remains firmly on member well-being, community development, and financial inclusion. As we continue to evolve, our approach is simple: “Digital when you want it, face to face when you need it.” Whether online or in person, we’re here to support our members every step of the way.
We offer a comprehensive range of savings and loan products, including personal, car, home improvement, education, and green loans, as well as Acre Agri Finance — providing tailored loan solutions to support local farmers and agri-businesses. Members can open single, joint, juvenile, and club accounts, designed to suit every stage of life and every type of saver.
Our commitment to community remains at the heart of everything we do. Each year, we support local schools, charities, community groups, and sports clubs through sponsorships, educational programmes, and initiatives that promote financial literacy, sustainability, and social well-being.
Guided by the Credit Union ethos of “Not for Profit, but for People,” we continue to ensure that every decision we make puts our members first. With a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, Cairde Credit Union is proud to build on its strong legacy — combining tradition, trust, and innovation to serve our members and communities for generations to come.
