Letterkenny Credit Union bid a fond farewell to three long-serving directors

Mary Forde and Letterkenny Credit Union CEO Gordon Randles

placeholder image — Mary Forde and Letterkenny Credit Union CEO Gordon Randles

Between them, retiring directors Maureen O’Donnell, Mary Forde and Jim Toner have given over 70 years’ of voluntary service as Directors of Letterkenny Credit Union

The unwavering dedication, professionalism, and commitment of three outgoing Directors to Letterkenny Credit Union was celebrated on Saturday night.

Between them, retiring directors Maureen O’Donnell, Mary Forde and Jim Toner have given over 70 years’ of voluntary service as Directors of Letterkenny Credit Union.

All three have left a rich legacy from their time on the Board and on various committees. The three outgoing Directors have imparted their vast expertise and knowledge to the existing board members who will now strive to follow in their footsteps.

Maureen O’Donnell steps down after 30 years’ service as a Director and Board Oversight Committee member. Mary Forde had been a director since 2005 (19 years) and was also a former highly respected staff member of the Credit Union.

Jim Toner served as a director for 23 years (since 2001). Jim remains a Board Member of the Irish League of Credit Union.

Speaking at the function in The Mount Errigal Hotel, Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Directors, C.J. McGinley, paid tribute to their contribution and service, and the rich spirit of volunteerism, which is so central to the success and growth of Letterkenny Credit Union.

“They performed their duties with professionalism, diligence, fairness and with an innate sense of responsibility and integrity.

“Letterkenny Credit Union has come a long way since its humble inception 62 years-ago. From a share balance of just over £16 in 1962, Letterkenny Credit Union now has assets of over €117million and a loan book of around €40million. It is now one of the busiest credit unions in the country. “This would simply not be possible without the wonderful work of our diligent staff, management and Board of Directors, BOC, volunteers, and sub-committee members.

“I would like to pay tribute to our Senior Management Team led by CEO Gordon Randles, Deputy CEO Gail Griffin, Greg Magee( Risk +Compliance) and all the staff who do an excellent job, every day, serving the needs of our growing membership, which is now north of 25,000 members,”

“The professionalism, efficiency and courtesy of our staff is much appreciated by members, and as a Board we are extremely proud that Credit Unions continue to be poll topper in the annual Customer Experience Insights Report and as the most trustworthy of all financial institutions in the country.

“Lending is the cornerstone of our business, and we were delighted that over €19 million was issued in loans to LKCU members in 2023. This is a record for LKCU and comes against the backdrop of rising costs, inflation, and increased regulation from the Central Bank.

Presentations were to the three partners on behalf of Letterkenny Credit Union by long-serving Directors Ted McLaughlin, Charlie McGlynn, and CEO Gordon Gordon Randles with the help of Director Martina Garry and staff member Kathleen Dorrian.