What a fantastic evening it was on Wednesday 23rd April in Esker Arts for the Tullamore Credit Union Community Support Fund 2025 presentation event. One of the highlights of the credit union calendar – and as Paul Shaw, CEO said ‘the credit union’s way of giving back to the community’.
This year, there were 145 applications for funding – the largest number of applications ever received! A fund of €100,000 was made available by the credit union’s Board of Directors, of which €20,000 had already been allocated to St Joseph’s National School in Tullamore, in support of their new clinical intervention programme, called the BUSS model. This project is to support children who may have experienced disruption in their early development.
The remaining €80,000 was distributed to a mixture of sporting organisations, community, and retirement groups as well as schools and sporting clubs, all located within the Tullamore Credit Union common bond area – thereby ensuring that funds are used for the benefit of local people.
CEO Paul Shaw opened proceedings by welcoming everyone and thanking them for turning out in such great numbers. He formally launched the credit union’s Pride in your Place competition and invited Shane Murray, Tullamore Tidy Towns, to say a few words. Shane thanked the credit union for their continuing support within the community and encouraged everyone to be proud of their own place. He invited members to join Tullamore Tidy Towns each Wednesday evening at 7pm in Kilbride St.
Application forms for the Pride in your Place competition are available on the credit union website and in the credit union offices, the closing date is Monday 5th May.
Paul handed over to Chairperson Eileen Brophy, who outlined in greater detail the project in St Joseph’s NS. She also added that a new self-service kiosk had recently been opened in the Tullamore office, in response to member requests. Eileen asked members to try the new machine and to provide feedback to staff. She then handed over to Deputy CEO Caroline Collins-Murphy, who advised members that Tullamore Credit Union can provide mortgages as well as loans for alternative homes. She also mentioned the credit union’s newest initiative ‘Raise Your Voice’ the credit union’s community quiz – furthest details will be available shortly.
Caroline then moved to begin the presentations. Groups were called to the stage, presentations made and photos taken. In total over 120 groups received funding.
Matt Worgan, Risk Manager was next to the podium, to present the inaugural ESG (Environmental, Governance & Social) Award to Scoil Eoin Phóil 2 for their exciting polytunnel Garden Project, representatives Aoife Mannion & Cillian Fleming from the Parents Association and horticulturist Mark Sheehy accepted the presentation on behalf of the school.
Chairperson Eileen Brophy moved back to the podium, she outlined that one of her duties as Chairperson is to review all applications for funding and while all applications were equally worthy, she was, as a parent, drawn to Mucklagh Playground Committee and their efforts to provide their children with a playground. She asked representatives Breeda McNally and Rachel Scally to come forward to accept funding on behalf of the members of Tullamore Credit Union.
Caroline thanked all for attending, especially photographer Tom O’Hanlon who had a busy evening – taking over 250 photos – if any group would like a copy of their photo, please contact Siobhán Conroy by email to marketing@tullamorecu.ie.
The event closed with the customary cup of tea and a bun – thanks to all who attended!
