Community Connect: St. Canice’s Credit Union Celebrates Community Support Success
Reflecting on a Milestone Event
St. Canice’s Credit Union, which began as a community initiative in January 1964, recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. Over the years, it has grown into the largest community credit union in the country, thanks to the unwavering support of its members. This growth allowed us to play a crucial role in our members’ lives, helping them purchase cars, enjoy holidays, and upgrade their homes, with active loans totaling around €125 million.
Beyond financial services, our commitment to the community was highlighted during our recent Community Connect event, where over 20 groups from across three counties were awarded more than €130,000 in grant funding. This event was a celebration of what makes St. Canice’s Credit Union unique: our deep-rooted dedication to supporting the communities we serve. It was a night that wouldn’t have been possible without the continuous support of our members.
A Panel of Community Champions
The evening featured a panel discussion with some of the region’s most esteemed figures, who shared their experiences and insights on volunteerism and community engagement.
Brian Cody, well-known as the Kilkenny Hurling manager for over 20 years, brought his vast experience in both sports and community service to the discussion. Brian, one of Kilkenny’s most successful sports figures, has always been deeply committed to volunteerism. His career as a school principal further underscored his dedication to community, as he worked closely with volunteer boards, parents’ associations, and fundraising efforts.
Rachael Quinlan, Head of Employee Experience at CluneTech, offered a unique perspective on community involvement. At CluneTech, Rachael oversaw the CluneTech Cares program, an employee-driven corporate social responsibility initiative that supported over 100 charities globally. Her insights highlighted the significant positive impact that businesses can have on their local communities.
Malcolm Noonan, Minister for Nature, Heritage, and Electoral Reform, also shared his passion for community development. Known for his work in sustainable development, environmental protection, and social justice, Malcolm has been actively involved in local initiatives and volunteer efforts. His commitment to fostering a better Kilkenny for all its residents was truly inspiring.
Celebrating the Impact
As the panel concluded, we shared some impactful facts and figures about the support St. Canice’s has provided to organizations working to better their communities.
Over the past six years, the Community Connect fund alone issued almost €600,000 in direct grant funding. Additionally, in 2024, St. Canice’s awarded third-level scholarships worth €32,000 to leaving cert students, and our general sponsorship and community support budget injected over €60,000 into local communities. From yearly sponsorships to golf classics and race nights, we continue to support a wide range of community activities.
Each year, our Members Prize Draw purchases up to a dozen brand-new cars from local garages, further contributing to the local economy. Additionally, our community window on High Street offers community groups the opportunity to advertise in a prime location, ensuring their messages reach a wider audience.
A Glimpse at Our 2024 Fund Recipients
The evening also spotlighted several of this year’s Community Connect fund recipients, demonstrating the diverse and impactful projects supported by St. Canice’s.
Meals on Wheels Durrow received funding to upgrade their kitchen, allowing them to enhance the quality of the 30-plus meals they provide daily to those in need. These upgrades ensure that the service can continue to deliver high-quality meals to those who rely on it.
Callan Handball and Racquetball Club were awarded funds to install PV panels and a 10kWh battery system. This solar solution will cover about 75% of their power needs, significantly reducing costs and their carbon footprint. The club has already reduced its energy usage by 42% annually and aims to keep membership fees affordable, ensuring continued support for other local groups that use their facilities.
Kilkenny Storm Ice and Inline Hockey Club, which has enjoyed international success, was granted funds to purchase new skates and pads. This investment will allow the club to replace old equipment, provide affordable gear to low-income families, and ensure that the sport remains accessible to all.
SOS Kilkenny CLG was another notable recipient. Their latest initiative, the Dementia Café, aims to provide significant benefits to individuals living with dementia, as well as their families and friends. The café offers a supportive environment where attendees can engage in social interactions, receive valuable support, and participate in tailored activities like horticulture, music, and gentle exercise, with innovative VR technology to boost memory and focus.
Recognising All Recipients
While the above highlights provide a glimpse into the diverse projects supported by St. Canice’s, they are just a sample. The full list of this year’s recipients includes:
Community Connect Recipients 2024
This year’s Community Connect event was a resounding success, showcasing the collective impact we can achieve when we work together. St. Canice’s Credit Union remains committed to supporting the community, and we look forward to continuing this vital work in the years to come.