Credit Union heralds name change

TRALEE Credit Union’s 50th anniversary celebrations continued as it officially changed its name to Cara Credit Union in Tralee, Castleisland and Killorglin.

“Our name change is an historical milestone and helps us achieve our vision for continued growth and strength together,” said Cara Credit Union CEO Pa Laide.

“We started the name change process 15 months ago and Cara Credit Union was approved by members at our AGM in December as we commenced our 50th year,” he said.

“Tralee Credit Union was set up to serve the financial needs of our members in Tralee. Over the years our common bond extended into Castleisland and Killorglin so our name was no longer inclusive to all three of these important towns and hinterlands,” Mr. Laide continued.

“Cara Credit Union gives Killorglin and Castleisland their identity back as each office now has its town named over each office.

“The landscape of the Irish Credit Union movement has also changed and mergers will continue and in doing so will enhance the long-term strength of the movement.

“Our new name, Cara Credit Union will no longer define us geographically and will also help facilitate our growth for future mergers.

“Cara means a friend in Irish, it is part of our heritage and culture and is embedded in the credit union ethos and values.

“Cara Credit Union will help us connect more with members and rekindle past friendships with inactive members.”

Cara Credit Union had plenty of celebrations throughout its three offices on Thursday with entertainment in each office, plenty of cash prizes, and one lucky member Breda O’Callaghan from Tralee won a brand new Kia Stonic in the Cara Credit Union Members Car Draw.

Cara Credit Union is the fifth largest community-based credit union in Ireland serving the financial needs of its members throughout Tralee, Castleisland and Killorglin.

It has over 43,000 members, €220million in assets, €185million in savings and €74million out on loan.

Membership of Cara Credit Union is voluntary and open to everyone who lives and works within Tralee, Castleisland and the Killorglin areas.

Further information on services can be received Cara Credit Union in Tralee, Castleisland and Killorglin or visit the website: https://www.traleecu.ie

Photograph by John Reidy Director John O’Connor with Siobhán Donnelly, Patrick Burke, Hannah Maunsell, Philip O’Connor, branch manager Helen Geary, Suzanne Ennis and Pa Laide, CEO.