Pennyburn Credit Union: Celebrating the people behind sixty years
Past and present staff reunite to mark six decades of community dedication.
There are some photographs that tell a story all by themselves.
A former colleague standing beside someone they worked with thirty years ago. A retired volunteer catching up with a current Board member. Past and present staff sharing memories of offices, colleagues and members whose names are still remembered decades later.
Those moments could be seen throughout the Everglades Hotel on Saturday 6th June 2026, exactly sixty years after Pennyburn Credit Union was founded. Past and present volunteers, directors, staff and friends gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone.
Sixty years earlier, almost to the very hour, fifty-nine local people had gathered in the British Legion Hall and pooled savings of £142, laying the foundations for what would become one of the North West's most successful community organisations.
While much has changed since 1966, one thing became clear throughout the evening: the friendships formed through Pennyburn Credit Union have endured long after committee meetings ended, careers finished and office doors closed.
For many guests, the celebration was as much a reunion as it was an anniversary. Former colleagues who had not seen one other in years picked up conversations as though no time had passed. Guests also fondly remembered former colleagues and directors such as Eugene O’Brien, Frank O’Kane, Colum Martin, P J Doherty, along with many others who are no longer with us, but whose contribution continues to be felt throughout the organisation.
Conversations quickly returned to familiar stories. Stories about Friday evenings serving members. Stories about long-serving volunteers who dedicated countless hours to the Credit Union. Stories about office moves and milestones that seemed like yesterday.
During his address, Chief Executive Frank Doherty paid tribute to those individuals whose dedication created the strong foundations upon which Pennyburn Credit Union continues to grow: "This credit union was not built by buildings or balance sheets. It was built by individuals who believed in something better for their community."
He touched on the generations of volunteers, directors and staff who gave their time, energy and expertise to help local people. In one of the evening's most personal moments, Frank reflected on how Pennyburn Credit Union had shaped his own life, recalling how he met his wife through the organisation many years ago:
"When I speak about the impact this credit union has on people's lives, I do so not only as an employee and leader, but as someone whose own family story is part of the Pennyburn Credit Union story."
Guests also heard from the Mayor, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, who praised the positive impact Pennyburn Credit Union has had across the district over the past six decades.
"I want to express my sincere appreciation for the positive impact that Pennyburn Credit Union has had on our district," she said. "Your work has strengthened families, supported local enterprise and contributed to the social and economic fabric of this community."
The evening also provided an opportunity to recognise commitment and service. Irish League of Credit Unions President, Brendan Jenkins, presented commemorative coins to staff members who have dedicated more than twenty-five years of service to Pennyburn Credit Union: Michael Doherty, Joanne O’Brien, Siobhan Ferry, Suzanne Cassidy-Charlesworth, Paula Nash and Sheila McDaid.
Their combined service totals to 166 years - a reflection of the loyalty, dedication and sense of purpose that has always existed within the organisation.
As the evening drew to a close, guests gathered for photographs, shared one final story or memory and reflected on how far Pennyburn Credit Union has come. Yet the strongest feeling in the room was not pride in buildings, figures or achievements. It was gratitude.
Gratitude for the people who gave their evenings, weekends and years of service. Gratitude for the friendships formed along the way. And gratitude for the generations of members, volunteers, directors and staff whose contribution helped create something that remains at the heart of the community - a legacy that has stood strong for sixty years and one that will carry the community forward for the next sixty and beyond.