Back from left, Niamh Penrose, Lorraine Corroon, Edna Blake (director), John O’Reilly, (director), Michelle Gordon, Derek Smith (assistant manager) and Yvonne Craig; front, Tom Allen (manager), Conor Isdell (chairperson), Gerard Connolly (Board Oversight Committee) and Paul Isdell (director).

Our credit union rebrands as North Midlands Credit Union

On Tuesday March 1, 2022, Mullingar Credit Union officially changed its name and was rebranded as North Midlands Credit Union.

This was as a result of the decision of the members of Mullingar Credit Union at the annual general meeting held on March 3, 2021 to pass the resolution proposed by the board of directors for the rebranding and name change.

Following the considerable expansion of the credit union through the four Transfers of Engagements from Castlelost Credit Union, Kinnegad and District Credit Union, Castlepollard Credit Union and Longford Credit Union, the board of directors recognised that the name Mullingar did not adequately embrace the large geographical area or population covered by our now greatly enlarged Common Bond.

This now stretches from the north Longford border southwards across Westmeath to Rhode in north Offaly and from Ballynacargy to Kinnegad.

Nuala Boylan and Karen Gaffney, Castlepollard Branch. Photo by Anna Allen Photography

Changing our name to North Midlands Credit Union allows us to be more inclusive, recognisable and elicit a sense of belonging and ownership from all our members.

It will allow us to be stronger, more resilient and to provide evermore essential services to all our members and to potential members in all the communities within our Common Bond.

Marcella McDonald and Colette Browne, Kinnegad Branch. Photo by Anna Allen Photography

This will also allow us to take full advantage of the many opportunities presented by our expansion to increase our business, our membership and our loan book.

The growth and development of North Midlands Credit Union and its position of strength today is evidence of the commitment and skills of the many staff, directors, board oversight committees and volunteers who gave their time and energy over many years in Rochfortbridge, Kinnegad, Castlepollard, Longford and Mullingar.

Margaret Smith and Irene Mooney, Rochfortbridge Branch. Photo by Anna Allen Photography

It is also a reflection of the value and trust placed in it by the most important people in the credit union – our members.

Our name has changed, but we are still the same credit union providing the same professional service to all our members. Our friendly staff remain the same and will continue to provide the same personal service to every member.

Nicola Burke, Melissa Rabbitt and Maeve Duffy, Longford Branch. Photo by Anna Allen Photography

KEY EVENTS

1962 - A credit union group formed in St Mary’s Hall, Mullingar.

1963 - Mullingar Credit Union officially opened for business.

1968 - Mullingar Credit Union purchased a site in Mary Street and built its own premises.

1968 - Permanent staff were employed for the first time.

1972 - Membership exceeded 1,000, shares stood at £103,700 and loans outstanding were £90,200.

1981 – Members shares and loans outstanding exceeded £1,000,000 for the first time.

1983 – Membership exceeded 5,000.

1984 – Mullingar Credit Union purchased a premises at Oliver Plunkett Street, Mullingar.

1985 – The credit union changed its name from St Colman’s Credit Union to Mullingar Credit Union.

1986 - Computers were introduced for members' transactions for the first time.

1989 – Extension and refurbishment of Mullingar offices (completed August 1990).

1992 – Membership exceeded 10,000.

1997 – Mullingar Credit Union launched ATM service.

1998 – Membership exceeded 20,000.

2005 – Membership over 29,000 and assets of over €170 million.

2012 – Mullingar Credit Union celebrated its golden jubilee with over 30,000 members, assets of €170 million and loans of €48 million.

2014 – First Transfer of engagements for Mullingar Credit Union. Castlelost Rochfortbridge Credit Union, formed in 1971, joined Mullingar Credit Union with assets of €3.5 million and 1,500 members

2016 – Kinnegad Credit Union founded in 1996 joined Mullingar Credit Union with assets of €3.7 million and 1,670 members.

2016 - Mullingar Credit Union completed a major redevelopment and expansion of its main office into the Mullingar Town Mall.

2019 - Castlepollard Credit Union, founded in 1969, joined Mullingar Credit Union with assets of €13.3 million and 2,400 members

2019 – Launch of current accounts as additional product offering to members.

2020 - Longford Credit Union, founded in 1969, joined Mullingar Credit Union with assets of €50.3 million and 12,950 members.

2021 – Mullingar Credit Union at the financial year end 30/9/21 had membership of 58,000, assets of €407 million, loans of €86 million and staff of 59.

2022 – Mullingar Credit Union changed its name to North Midlands Credit Union.

2022 – In November, North Midlands Credit Union will celebrate its 60th anniversary.

How to Volunteer

Volunteers are at the heart of every credit union. The board of directors are volunteers drawn from members and are supported by volunteer committees and project volunteers with key skills.

Whether you are looking for a leadership role, to gain experience and training or want to give something back to your community within a social network, credit unions provide valuable volunteering opportunities

If you want to find out more, please email at info@northmidlandscu.ie or call 044-9348817.

How are credit unions different?

IMAGINE a more ethical financial institution that exists solely for the benefit of its members, not to profit from them.

IMAGINE a more genuinely community focused financial institution.

IMAGINE a more personal customer service.

IMAGINE a more flexible leader that understand you!

Supporting our community through Social and Cultural Funding

As well as providing a wide range of financial services on a not-for-profit basis, North Midlands Credit Union also supports our local communities in many other ways. We provide sponsorship and grants through our Social and Cultural Fund to social, cultural, sporting and charitable organisations, including community development.

The purpose of the fund is to give recognition and financial support to voluntary organisations that make such a valuable contribution to the quality of life within the local community.

The funding initiative is now in its 24th year and to date has provided a total of €1.8 million to local voluntary organisations.

The board approved a fund of €152,000 for the financial year ended September 30, 2021 for such purposes. During the year grants were awarded to 306 groups.

North Midlands Credit Union also supports credit unions in the developing world through an annual contribution to the Irish League of Credit Unions Charitable Foundation and through support of the World Council of Credit Unions.

Looking after the youth in our community

• Primary schools quiz

• Primary school savings scheme

• Secondary schools quiz

• All Ireland art competition

• Clued-in - educational programnme for secondary schools

• Reduced rate college loans

• Secondary school fund

• Current account and debit card

www.northmidlandscu.ie

Email: info@northmidlandscu.ie

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