History

The idea of a Credit Union was the result of a meeting in October in 1965 between Canon Heaney P.P. in Athenry and John Hume from Derry. John Hume was one of the founding members of Derry Credit Union in 1960. Derry was the first credit union in Northern Ireland.

At this time in Athenry, there was a very active branch of the Legion of Mary in the parish. The Reverend Canon Heaney enlisted the assistance of this group to carry out a door to door canvas in the town and surrounding area and to explain the idea of a credit union.

In November 1965, a meeting of those interested in a credit union was held in the Canton Hall. Here, the idea of a credit union was further explained. A number of subsequent meetings were held and by the end of December 1965, it was agreed to formally establish Athenry Parish Credit Union in January 1966.

The Irish league of Credit Unions (ILCU) and credit unions in Galway supported this fledgling new organisation.

Written by Dick Smyth.

For more on the history of Athenry Credit Union please click here.