Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, hosted a special civic reception in the Guildhall on Tuesday, February 3 to honour two long-serving members of Derry Credit Union who have each given an exceptional 50 years of service. Mary Crumley and Joan Gallagher were joined by family members, friends and representatives from the Irish League of Credit Unions at the celebratory event, which recognised their lifelong dedication to their local branch and the wider community. Paying tribute, Mayor McHugh thanked both women for their remarkable commitment, saying: “Reaching 50 years of service is an extraordinary achievement and speaks volumes about Mary and Joan’s dedication, professionalism and deep commitment to their community. "Credit unions are built on trust, service and people, and for five decades Mary and Joan have embodied those values. On behalf of the Council and the wider community, I want to thank them for the lasting contribution they have made to Derry and to congratulate them on this outstanding milestone.” PICTURED BELOW: DERRY CREDIT UNION RETIREES. . . .The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairi McHugh pictued with Mary Crumley and Joan Gallagher, two ladies who are retiring from Derry Credit Union with over 50 years service between them, at a function in their honour at the Guildhall on Tuesday evening last. Included are family members, Irish League of Credit Union representatives, Derry Credit Union board members and staff. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography) We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club

placeholder image — Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, hosted a special civic reception in the Guildhall on Tuesday, February 3 to honour two long-serving members of Derry Credit Union who have each given an exceptional 50 years of service. Mary Crumley and Joan Gallagher were joined by family members, friends and representatives from the Irish League of Credit Unions at the celebratory event, which recognised their lifelong dedication to their local branch and the wider community. Paying tribute, Mayor McHugh thanked both women for their remarkable commitment, saying: “Reaching 50 years of service is an extraordinary achievement and speaks volumes about Mary and Joan’s dedication, professionalism and deep commitment to their community. "Credit unions are built on trust, service and people, and for five decades Mary and Joan have embodied those values. On behalf of the Council and the wider community, I want to thank them for the lasting contribution they have made to Derry and to congratulate them on this outstanding milestone.” PICTURED BELOW: DERRY CREDIT UNION RETIREES. . . .The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairi McHugh pictued with Mary Crumley and Joan Gallagher, two ladies who are retiring from Derry Credit Union with over 50 years service between them, at a function in their honour at the Guildhall on Tuesday evening last. Included are family members, Irish League of Credit Union representatives, Derry Credit Union board members and staff. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography) We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club

IN PICTURES: Mayor pays tribute to Derry Credit Union's 'Golden Girls'

Published 4th Feb 2026, 16:33 BST

Updated 8th Feb 2026, 21:21 BST

Derry Credit Union’s Mary Crumley and Joan Gallagher, between them, have dedicated 100 years to supporting the local community

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The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairi McHugh making a special presentation to retiring Derry Credit Union officers, Joan Gallagher and Mary Crumley at the Guildhall on Tuesday evening.

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The two ladies receiving bouquets of flowers at Tuesday's Mayoral Reception in the Guildhall, Derry.

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Derry Credit Union retirees, Joan Gallagher, CEO and Mary Crumley, Education and Training Officer, pictured with the Mayor, Ruairi McHugh at Tuesday evening's reception in their honour at the Guildhall. On right are Brendan Jenkins, President, Irish League of Credit Unions and Delma Boggs, President, Derry Credit Union.

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We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can. Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond. TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY For more information scan the QR code below.

IN PICTURES: Mayor pays tribute to Derry Credit Union's 'Golden Girls'

Derry Credit Union’s Mary Crumley and Joan Gallagher, between them, have dedicated 100 years to supporting the local community

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